COMPUTING artefacts which have been gathering dust for almost a year are about to go back on display.

Swindon’s Museum of Computing – the UK’s first dedicated museum of computing – collected the keys to its new unit in Theatre Square on Thursday as work began to bring technological history back to the people of Swindon.

The museum was forced to close in June last year after losing its home at the University of Bath’s Oakfield campus.

Former mayor Steve Wakefield handed over a set of keys to the new premises – complete with floppy-disk keychain.

“How many other towns can boast a museum like this?” he said.

“We’re very lucky to have it here and it’s our pleasure to welcome the museum to a more central location in the heart of Swindon.”

The museum, which has signed a three-year lease on the building with Swindon Council, must now reboot the unit in time for its official public opening in July.

Museum founder Jeremy Holt is equally pleased with the exhibition’s new location.

Mr Holt, who campaigned for 13 years to get the Museum of Computing off the ground in 2002, said: “Our last venue in the University of Bath was very difficult to get to without a car.

“The council’s new offer puts the museum in the heart of the town in a prominent place near bus routes. It will be good for the town because the collection of 2,500 items demonstrating Britain’s role in the advances of technology has attracted worldwide interest.

“We attract 2,000 visitors a year from over 40 different countries. Our new home means we can attract many more local visitors.”

Curator Simon Webb said he’s particularly excited about re-opening the museum’s popular gaming exhibition.

“Everyone loves the exhibition, it’s really something for young and hold and offers a good trip down memory lane for a few of us.

“About 80 per cent of the collection is in working order and gaming can be traced back 30 years. We’ll be setting up championship league tables and are investigating the possibility of online competitions with other towns which should help put the town on the map.”

For more details on the museum, visit www.museum-of-computing.org.uk.