THE former railway museum is to get a £1m makeover and new permanent occupants, under proposals revealed by Swindon Council.

But the current tenants, who have leased the building for four years, say they are disappointed at being left with nowhere to go.

The council will relocate its Youth Service to the Grade II listed building, which has been home to various art groups for four years.

Nick Martin, cabinet member for resources, said: "I've been involved in making sure we retain ownership of the railway museum.

"This investment project is the perfect way to marry Swindon's history with an important part of its future - young people."

The £1m refurbishment will include a new wooden floor, stage, alcohol-free bar, al fresco café, offices and toilets.

Work costing £100,000 has already started on the new roof.

The council says the building's excellent acoustics will be put to good use when a stage is built to host youth performances.

The Youth Service is currently located at the Civic Campus, which the council says is not easily accessible for young people.

The grand entrance to the museum will be restored to reflect its original design.

Garry Perkins, cabinet member for children's services, said: "This project is a tremendous opportunity for Swindon to really engage with local young people. It will breathe new life into an historic landmark and provide a host of new facilities for the community at large."

If the planning application is approved, the fate of the building, which has been unsettled for some time, will be secured.

But the Swindon New Mechanics Trust, which rents the space to other voluntary groups, says it has suffered because of the indecision.

It has been campaigning for the security of a five-year lease since it moved into the building four years ago.

It believes the council's lack of commitment in refusing it a lease has set it back.

The current tenants, which include a drumming group for disabled people, jugglers and artists, have three months to find new premises.

Trust chairman Daniel Rose said: "We are terribly disappointed as we've been trying to get a lease on it for four years.

"We have been here for four years operating on a shoestring and haven't been able to secure external grants as we didn't have a long-term lease.

"We feel so strongly about the building as it is the only adaptable cultural venue in the town."

He says the Trust will overcome the shock of the move and will seek to find homes for the other organisations, which currently lease space from it.

"At this stage, I don't know what we'll do but we will be working with the council and the groups to find a solution."

Coun Martin (Con, Shaw and Nine Elms) said the council would help the groups find alternative venues. He said: "The current tenants have been given notice. They have always understood they are on a three-month lease."