THE GROUP tasked with envisioning the future of the old Mechanics’ Institution is hopeful that the 175th anniversary of Swindon can bring renewed momentum to the project.

The Mechanics’ Institution Trust has secured a grant from the Architectural Heritage Fund to conduct a viability study into the site following a similar assessment carried out recently by Forward Swindon.

Trust Chairman Daniel Rose hopes that they can capitalise on the positivity surrounding the Swindon 175 commemorations and build a consensus behind their ambitious plans.

He said: “An options appraisal has been undertaken in partnership with Forward Swindon on behalf of the council.

“The Trust is now in the middle of our own viability study which will allow us to update our own plans for the site.

“The funding from the Architectural Heritage Fund will allow us to appoint a consultant, to talk to stakeholders and other parties in the community and to update our planning drawings.

“The biggest part is obviously financing – not just in terms of the work itself but also in assessing the long term financial sustainability of our ideas.”

The Grade II listed building, at the heart of the Railway Village, has sat empty for thirty years and a series of owners have allowed it to fall into disrepair.

It is currently in the hands of the Crown Estate however the council, having paid in excess of £800,000 in 2011 to secure the structure, have a large say in the future use of the site.

The Trust’s vision involved turning the building into a centre for art and culture featuring an independent cinema, a theatre, shops and a restaurant among other amenities.

The ambitious project would cost in the region of £15 million to complete.

Such a funding challenge would be insurmountable without a significant grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The stumbling block in the past has been demonstrating that the Trust’s social enterprise-based plans can generate sufficient income to sustain both themselves and the challenging site they will call home.

Daniel added: “We don’t need to make vast profits but we do need to be generating enough to pay our way and also to build a fund to cover the wider costs.

“We have identified that there is space for significant conferencing facilities as well as other events space where we can hold corporate events for example.

“There is also the restaurant and café which form part of the proposal.

“We’re clear there has to be a blend of uses to make it viable but it is also important that we maintain the strong community links to its past.”

The Trust hope to have reached an agreement on a final vision for the site with the various stakeholders in the next six months and to be in a position to begin discussions with the Heritage Lottery at that point.