Business · Swindon
Fresh plans unveiled for vacant Apsley House in Swindon Old Town
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
New proposals have been submitted to develop the former Swindon museum and art gallery site, including plans for retail space and parcel lockers.
A fresh planning application has been submitted to Swindon Borough Council regarding the future of Apsley House, the historic Grade II listed building on Bath Road that has stood vacant for six years. The site, which formerly served as Swindon’s museum and art gallery, is being targeted for a multi-faceted commercial redevelopment intended to restore activity to the property.
The latest proposals from WA Apsley Ltd include the installation of a parcel drop-off facility and Amazon lockers, alongside the relocation of cycle and bin storage areas. Crucially, the plans also outline the conversion of an ancillary store into a commercial retail unit. These additions are designed to complement the broader redevelopment scheme for the location, which has already received planning consent in October 2024.
This wider project, led by property developer Arthur Dallimer of William Arthur Property, is set to revitalise the heritage site by introducing an artisan bakery, dedicated co-working spaces for local businesses and sole traders, and a high-quality restaurant or bar within the building's former gallery space. The developer is working alongside council planners to ensure that the modifications protect the building's historical integrity while enabling sustainable modern commercial use.
Situated within the Old Town Conservation Area, the site was a significant cultural hub until its closure during the 2020 lockdown. Proponents of the scheme suggest that the introduction of retail units, including the parcel facility, will boost local footfall. The planning, heritage, design and access statement prepared by Ian Sullivan Architecture Ltd states that the proposals are expected to have a negligible impact on visual amenity, noise levels, and traffic flow.
The site forms a key part of the Old Town commercial landscape, and officials hope that the redevelopment will reinforce the area's reputation as a vibrant, economically resilient destination. Following years of the building being boarded up, the proposed works represent the next step in bringing the historic 1830s property back into active use for the benefit of the local community and the surrounding borough.
Source: Swindon Advertiser - Politics · View original