New plans for railway building

The building is grade 2 listed

A 150 year old grade 2-listed building in Swindon could be transformed into a hotel or apartment block.

Businessman and developer Matthew Singh, who owns the Mechanics Institute, has submitted his plans on its use to the council's town planners.

The new application also includes proposals for a leisure club, restaurant and a gym.

Leader of the council Mike Bawden says he is pleased to see a detailed application, and has urged residents to make their views known.

There now follows an eight week public consultation, before any decision will be made.

The Mechanics Institute was built for workers on the Great Western Railway in the 1850s.

When the railway works closed, the building was shut, and gradually fell into disrepair, standing empty for 40 years.