THIS Swindon Advertiser image from September of 1978 couldn't be more redolent of an era if it tried.

Two dignitaries inspect a model of a futuristic structure while clearly discussing important matters.

The dignitaries were the then Mayor of Swindon, Ashley Roberts, and Thamesdown Council industrial advisor Douglas Smith.

The futuristic structure was, of course, the David Murray John Tower, and our photograph was taken in a large open space there.

That gives a clue to the nature of the story.

Although the 272ft, 72-apartment tower had been open for two years and recently opened to residential tenants, no takers had been found for more than 30,000 square feet of office space spread over nine and a half floors.

We said: "Mr Smith explained the council were hoping for one large company to take all 36,000 square feet, which has full air conditioning and will bring in an annual rent of in the region of £120,000.

"Later in the month the council are to advertise the space in Oxford, Reading, Bristol and Swindon."

If this seems a strange way of doing things, it's worth bearing in mind that the country was on the edge of what would become a major recession, with soaring inflation, poor industrial relations and a general surplus of premises.

When legendary town clerk David Murray John signed the order for what would become his namesake building in 1974, the economic picture wasn't so bleak, and there was every reason to expect that the office space would be at a premium when it opened.