A DEVELOPER looking to restore a Victorian building in the town centre - last used as a pub - has revealed more about its plans.

The pub, which was originally a YMCA, at 20 Fleet Street has an ornate front - but Fleet Street Property says it has been damaged by more modern additions and amendments and has not been served well by the 20th century buildings around it.

The company’s plan is to extend at the back and convert the main ground floor of the pub into a commercial property which could be a shop, offices a restaurant or a café - but not a pub.

The rest of the building would be converted into 10 single-bed flats and two shared house HMO for five people each.

The developers’ application says maintaining the ornate front is important: “The frontage of the building forms a significant part of its character. The historic frontage provides a positive contribution to the appearance of the immediate surrounding area.

“The façade represents an important feature within Fleet Street and is recognisable as part of the historic Victorian heritage of Swindon.

"However, the modifications to the ground floor of the façade where most of the stone features have been replaced with timber and render has eroded much of the significance of the façade.

“In addition, a series of modern infill developments along both sides of Fleet Street, most of which without architectural merit, have had a negative impact on the building's setting.”

The company says its restoration will improve the look of the area.

“Whilst the building is not listed the façade still represents an important historical feature," it said. 

"As such, these proposals recognise this importance and look to repair much of the façade on the first and second floor. In addition, proposals are put forward to alter and improve the ground floor façade. These are a positive improvement to the building and its setting.”

The 10 single flats will be on the upper storeys of the front and rear of the building, and the shared HMOs will be on the second and first floors at the back.

The application refers to Swindon Borough Council’s desire to regenerate the Fleet Street area of town by getting a wider diversity of businesses and increasing the number of residents there.

Comments should be sent to the council by June 20.