A plan for millions of pounds worth of refurbishment to one of Swindon’s most historically significant buildings will be decided upon next week.

Members of Swindon Borough Council’s planning committee will be asked to rule on whether a £6.5m project to renovate the pool, changing rooms and lobby of the Health Hydro in Milton Road can go ahead.

The pool and Turkish Baths, which date back to 1891, have already been closed in anticipation of the work starting, with a completion date expected 18 months away.

The proposal by the council is to update the plant serving the main pool, create a new changing room which would feature individual cubicles in a unisex room, serving both swimmers and users of the “dry-side” facilities.

The viewing gallery to the main pool would be refurbished and reopened with the heating and ventilation systems improved.

A new gym space and a group exercise space for things like yoga, Zumba Pilates and CrossFit classes will be created, whilst the facilities for users of the Turkish baths could be improved.

The plans also include improvements to the main entrance lobby.

The council’s application says: “The project is about more than the Grade II* built heritage. In addition to restoring the Victorian splendour of the building, we aim to restore the purpose of the place. We want to give a contemporary expression to its original ethos and intent.

“The Health Hydro will become the focal point of a healthier Swindon - a place that will inspire and empower all residents to make more informed and healthier choices for their families. Choices about physical activity, diet, medical care, environment, lifestyle and mental health."

The proposals are the authority's first phase of suggested refurbishment, with later phases including a full restoration of the Turkish baths, re-opening the small pool and the creation of a community health hub offering a variety of medical and complementary treatments.

Historic England, the council’s partner in the Heritage Action Zone in Railway Village, is enthusiastic: “We are happy to commend these proposals, which in our view conform with both local and national planning policy and guidance on the preservation and enhancement of the historic environment.”

Members of the committee will be advised to approve the plans, with the planning officers' report saying: “The proposal will preserve the listed building and its setting and will preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area. The sympathetic and limited nature of the proposals will preserve the listed building and its setting.”

The meeting will take place on April 11.