That wonderful old, ugly treasure-trove of a building – The Swindon Mechanics Institute – is featured as one of a number of theatres identified as being ‘at risk’ in this BBC news picture feature.  Of course the Mechanics Institute was so much more than just a theatre for the people of Swindon, it provided a place of learning, a library, a place for healthcare (during the many tuberculosis outbreaks), as well as a nurturing ground for trades unions and local democracy.

It also sits in the centre of an area important to our industrial heritage namely Brunel’s railway village (next to his massive railway works) which, as well as providing accommodation for workers, provided pubs, churches and Turkish baths.  Sadly confusion over ownership and successive lack of local council will has meant the Mechanics’ Institute has been derelict for many years with little being done to save it or restore it to its former glory.  I only hope if and when it is restored that it is restored as a functional space for the people of the town, rather than private housing or for business.

There is a pressure group but the website hasn’t been updated since January.
This website has some wonderful, heartbreaking pictures of what is which lead you to imagine what could be.  More pictures here from BBC Wiltshire

For more information about the preservation of British theatres visit the Theatres Trust.