MUSICIANS could be performing at the former Mecca bingo hall within the next six months.

Swindon Council has agreed terms with a mystery backer to turn the derelict building in Regent Circus into a concert hall capable of holding up to 1,200 people.

Work is still ongoing to remove asbestos from the building, which has been empty since last April, but rumours that it would be demolished have been dismissed by the council.

Coun Phil Young, Swindon Council’s cabinet member for culture and regeneration, said: “I hope that we can finish the work on the asbestos quickly and get the building prepared by the early part of next year.

“I think everyone would welcome a music venue in the town centre. This is an idea that came from the market place and the Mecca was mentioned as an ideal location.

“We are estimating it will hold 1,000 to 1,200 people, so it’s not going to rival the Oasis but it is going to hold more people than places like the 12 Bar.

“It’s another option to help bring live music to Swindon.”

The music promoter behind the deal has yet to be unveiled but Steve Causer, one of the organisers of the one-day Swindon Invincible music festival in Old Town, has been one of the names linked to the project.

Last night Mr Causer declined to comment as to whether he was involved in council talks, but he added: “The success of events like Invincible show there are people in Swindon who want to see live music indoors or outdoors.

“Places like the Furnace, the Vic, the 12Bar and others have been supporting the music scene across Swindon for years but this would give another option.

“It will help mark Swindon out as a venue for live music.”

Kevin Copp, president of the Swindon Chamber of Commerce, said the move would benefit more than just the music scene in Swindon.

“It will attract people into the town centre who will not only spend money at the venue but will go to local pubs and restaurants,” he said.

“It benefits everyone and helps to identify the town centre as the vibrant cultural environment we all want it to be.”

Daniel Dubose, from Swindon act Beatbullyz, said the Mecca could fill a gap in the Swindon music scene.

He said: “The Vic and the 12Bar only go so far and the Oasis is only for the really big acts so to have something in between would be absolutely fantastic.

“We love playing in our home town and to do that in a brand new venue would be sweet.

“It’s a great location. It’s right on the edge of Old Town and the town centre and has great transport links. It’s exactly what Swindon needs.”