A view of one side of the derelict Mechanics' Institution Swindon, UK with a clear blue sky in the background.


A view of one side of the derelict Mechanics' Institution Swindon, UK with a clear blue sky in the background. The building is in what's called "The Railway Village" near the site of Brunel's GWR railway works. The Institution is currently (2010) owned by a property developer who wishes to turn it into an hotel. This plan is opposed by a Trust (The New Mechanics' Institution Preservation Trust), who wish it to be used for for learning, community and culture. It is on the "Buildings at Risk" register. "Mechanics Institute, 1853-1855; now vacant. Outstanding example at heart of railway village. End use limited by fine internal features, including a large lecture theatre. Sold in 2003 and discussions are continuing regarding the future of the building. Repairs to the southern part of the roof are completed."


Size: 3457px × 5163px
Location: Swindon, Wiltshire, England,UK
Photo credit: © Derek Gale / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: abandoned, architecture, blue, broken, brunel, building, derelict, developer, england, falling, glass, great, heritage, history, institute, institution, listed, loss, mechanics, property, protected, railway, register, restoration, risk, ruin, sky, swindon, uk, victorian, village, western, wiltshire, window