Demolition begins at Nythe Community Centre in Swindon

Nythe Community Centre has sat unused for several years after it closed in 2021 when the trustees stepped down due to old age.

Despite new trustees being sought, its condition meant that it couldn't be reopened without construction work and in May 2024, it was earmarked by Swindon Borough Council for demolition.

"Unfortunately the community centre, and the building on the adjoining site, have reached the end of their life and are no longer suitable for use," said Councillor Jim Grant, cabinet member for communities and joint working, earlier this year.

“Therefore we’ve taken the decision to demolish the building and re-evaluate what the combined site can be used for."

The community centre has been unused since 2021 (Image: Newsquest) But the decision to demolish wasn't accepted easily, as local councillors Barbara and Kevin Parry launched a desperate bid to save the community centre.

Their petition called for Swindon Borough Council, who own the community centre land, to hand it over to the Nythe, Eldene and Liden Parish Council, for which Councillor Kevin Parry is chair. 

It also asked for Swindon Borough Council to pay £20,000 to repair the building.

Despite more than 300 people signing the petition, Swindon Borough Council's plans for demolition have continued full steam ahead.

As of October 2024, the site is completely fenced off to members of the public with 'danger' and 'keep out' warnings surrounding the once-loved community hub.

Demolition is underway at Nythe Community Centre (Image: Newsquest)Lawson Group has begun demolition of the main building and several doors and windows have been boarded up, with large storage units and tents wrapped in warning tape taking over the front entrance.

The existing car parking areas, hardstands, grassed areas, trees and hedges will remain.

"The community centre is a valuable and highly valued community facility which has been sorely missed since it has been out of operation, causing a detrimental impact to the health and wellbeing of Nythe residents, including isolation," said councillors Kevin and Barbara Parry when their petition was first launched.

Swindon Borough Council has acknowledged that there is a demand for a community space in Nythe and says this is something they will look into when re-evaluating what the site can be used for.