Plans unveiled to attract new businesses to former Swindon museum

Plans have been unveiled to attract businesses to the former home of the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery in Old Town.

Developer Arthur Dallimer from William Arthur Property, who has agreed to purchase Apsley House has already begun plans to restore the site to full commercial use.

He is calling out for potential business operators with a bold idea to come forward and enquire about taking a unit in the new development.

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The proposed vision for the site received a large amount of community backing in December last year.

The sale was awarded to William Arthur Property by Swindon Borough Council as they saw backed his strong vision for Old Town.

The plans are even supported by the new leader of the council, Jim Robbins.

"Now that we have gained control of the council we will be ensuring a positive future for our museum artefacts and art collection that used to reside at the former museum and art gallery, and want to get the Museum and Gallery opened at the Civic as soon as we can," said Cllr Robbins.

"I'm looking forward to meeting the developer to really understand his vision for Apsley House and turning it into a commercial space with exciting new independent operators.”

The plans include a 90-seater glass-fronted indoor and outdoor restaurant, a boutique cafe, co-working office space, and five retail units.

The wish from the developers is to attract operators who will be suitable for Old Town and help uplift the area and create new excitement in Swindon’s largest independent retail area.

“Apsley Corner is a scheme with great opportunity for local businesses to have a presence in Old Town”, said Arthur.

“I think exciting food concepts, customer-focussed businesses and creative retailers will really be a boost for the area.

"We want Old Town to continue to grow and develop with new businesses that create excitement, and crucially have a strong daytime focus too.”

“Other retail areas that are thriving, as in Cirencester, have a unique mix of independent operators. It would be great for the community to have operators such as a bakery at Apsley Corner, and other similar traditional businesses, but also creative retail concepts."

The developer's proposed plans will see a dramatic change to the 1960’s extension being replaced almost entirely with glass and decorative wooden beams.

This will become the focal point restaurant at the heart of the development.

Hacquebord Architecture Studio has been appointed as lead designer and architectural consultant. The founder, Anneltje Hacquebord, has 20 years of experience leading multi-disciplinary design teams.

“As a local design practice we have a vested interest in the area," said Anneltje.

"Apsley House is a landmark building on a key junction in Old Town. We appreciate its value, not only historically and within the heart of the community, but also its inherent potential to be a flagship development for Swindon.

"We want to complement the original 1830’s building, respect the footprints left by the modern extension, but upgrade and modernise its fabric to be more sustainable and to create a vibrant development that truly sets the bar for aspirational architecture in the area.”

The scheme has seen strong support from the local business community.

Kris Talikowski, vice-chair of the Old Town Business Association said: “We are sure this will breathe new life into Apsley House by helping to convert it into something economically sustainable, and beautiful.

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"It should become a positive gateway resonating the lively spirit of Old Town, somewhere we all want to go and spend time. It needs to be a destination for family, friends, and colleagues alike.”

The current stage is a pre-application process which will open conversations with all the relevant consultation bodies so any issues can be addressed before the main planning application is submitted later in the year.

If the plans move ahead, the development could be finished and open by summer 2024.