The redevelopment of the Carriage Works has been completed.

The Royal Agricultural University has opened its 'cultural heritage' unit at the site and was given the keys to the building by Swindon Borough Council.

The conversion of the Carriage Works, designed by Metropolitan Workshop, includes a new standalone structure in Unit 11 of the West Shed – creating offices, seminar rooms, a library and lecture space over two floors.

The council's cabinet member for the town centre Dale Heenan said: “The completion of the Royal Agricultural University’s Cultural Heritage Institute is fantastic news and a key milestone in the regeneration of Brunel’s Carriage Works, one of Swindon’s most iconic heritage assets.

“I would like to take this opportunity to formally welcome the university to Swindon. I am sure they will have a long and happy tenure delivering lectures from the heart of Swindon’s own railway history.”

The council-led development is a major part of the borough’s regeneration plans for the Carriage Works.

Further phases of the regeneration are now in the developed design stage, with construction due to start on site early 2021.

The institute is a purpose built postgraduate and professional training hub aimed at increasing the number of trained professionals within cultural heritage industries.