The developer who wants to bring one of Swindon’s most important buildings back to its former glory must put in a planning application soon, or the council will think again.

That’s the message from the authority’s cabinet member for the town centre Dale Heenan.

The borough council and Steve Rosier, of Swindon Corn Exchange Ltd signed an agreement in 2016 to allow him to progress plans to turn the Grade II-listed Victorian Locarno building into flats and shops and restaurants.

But despite two extensions on a deadline for progress, time is running out for Mr Rosier.

Coun Heenan said: “The Corn Exchange and the Mechanics’ are the two heritage buildings in Swindon that I want to see restored after decades of neglect.

“We are making good progress on the Mechanics’, and for the Corn Exchange, I know there is a genuine attempt by the owner, and developer, to find an imaginative and sympathetic scheme for this building.

"I look forward to a planning application being submitted shortly. This is the final opportunity for the owner and the developer because there will be no renegotiation of the joint development agreement. It would not be appropriate to say what action may or may not take place if a milestone is missed.”

Councillors for Old Town ward are keen to see the Locarno, which was put on the UK’s top 10 ‘endangered list’ by the Victorian Society, restored

Nick Burns-Howell said: “It's one of our most important heritage assets, and for too long has been left by the owner to fall into disrepair.

"I look forward to working with the project team as plans are developed and shared with local residents who should have a real say on these.

"I believe the borough should take swift and robust enforcement action if there are any further delays or missed deadlines.”

Another ward member Nadine Watts, said: “I'm in regular contact with Mr Rosier and I have every confidence that there will be an application for planning permission for his scheme made very soon, certainly before Christmas.”

Mr Rosier has not responded to a number calls from the Adver asking for an update on how his proposals are developing.

The website showing the company’s plans appears to have been taken down.