Chamber gives Mechanics' plans the thumbs up (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Chamber gives Mechanics' plans the thumbs up

Ref. 29034-38Council members of Swindon Chamber of Commerce visited the Mechanics' Institute, in Emlyn Square, yesterday.

And they gave owner, London businessman Matthew Singh, their thumbs up for his proposals for turning the derelict building into an ultra modern hotel.

Chamber chief executive Dennis Grant said: "The chamber fully supports Mr Singh's initiative and personally I'm all for it.

"It is an iconic building, and Mr Singh's proposals will marry the building's past and therefore Swindon's with the new. It will unite our heritage with our future."

Design consultant Ian Ralph, of The Rialto Consultancy, said:. "I'm absolutely for it. Heritage should be alive, not dead like it currently is. And if the plans aren't accepted, the building will fall apart anyway."

English Heritage has voiced concern over Mr Singh's current proposals, but chamber president Pete Pendlebury said: "It's unbelievable a building like this has lain waste for 15 years. "Something needs to be done."

This year marks the Mechanics' 150th anniversary and Mr Singh says he remains hopeful some part of the historic building will open later this year.

"I am delighted the chamber is fully behind me," he said.