AFTER years of delays and disappointment, council chiefs believe progress is finally being made on bringing the Mechanics’ Institute back to life.

The iconic building has been falling into disrepair since it shut in 1986 but hopes are rising that redevelopment of the adjacent Carriage Works could breathe new life into the historic building.

In the last decade, up to £2 million has been spent on keeping the building, famous for being the birth place of the NHS, standing but it is still in the top ten of Victorian buildings under threat in the UK.

Now in the ownership of the Crown Estate, the Grade II listed building could be the centre piece of a plan to revitalise another important part of Swindon’s history which could see dozens of new businesses to the area.

Councillor Garry Perkins (Con, Haydon Wick), the cabinet member for regeneration, said: “We approached the Heritage Lottery for a grant so we could carry out a study into future use.

“That has come back and we are in the process of going through that.

“We are also in talks with Network Rail over the regeneration of the Carriage Works and possibly turning them into high class office space.

“If this goes ahead then there is a possibility the Mechanic’s will benefit from that. If there is more footfall in the area then proposals become more viable.”

The issue lies in finding a profitable venture for the building. While there is public and political will to bring it back to life, the finances are not available to refurbish and subsidise it for the long-term.

“What we need to find is a way of generating a revenue stream. Heritage Lottery want to invest in Swindon but they can’t sign up to a deal in partnership with a local authority,” said Coun Perkins.

“They know the situation of public finances in local authorities. It is not just about providing short-term funds but also in the long-term.

“But we are making progress and hopeful something will come together.”

Daniel Rose, chairman of the Mechanic’s Institute Trust, said: “The trust have been working with Forward Swindon on an options appraisal for the Mechanics' over the last few months which is now nearing completion.

“The trust has been continuing to highlight our plans for a community owned and managed cultural heart for Swindon and the huge value this could create for our town.

“We look forward to continuing to work with partners over the comings weeks and months and we hope that a consensus emerges to gain the maximum opportunity for the Mechanics' and the people of the town.”