Schools & Education · Swindon
Historic Lydiard House to become new sixth form centre in £700k project
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Work is underway to convert parts of the Grade I-listed Lydiard House into a modern sixth form centre, set to welcome students from next year.
A major refurbishment programme is currently underway to transform sections of the historic Lydiard House into a dedicated sixth form centre. The £700,000 project will see the first floor of the Grade I-listed building converted into teaching facilities for around 120 students from The Park Academies Trust Sixth Form.
Plans for the development were approved earlier this year as part of a wider effort to ensure the long-term sustainability of the 18th-century estate. The project is designed to balance the needs of a modern learning environment with the strict requirements of heritage preservation.
Lydiard Park Academy principal Joshua Coulson said the move would provide students with an inspiring, unique environment in which to develop academically and socially. He noted that the new facilities would complement the existing provision at the academy and strengthen the house's role within the local community.
To mark the progress of the renovation, cabinet members Councillor Matty Courtliff and Councillor Kate Tomlinson visited the site this week alongside staff and Year 11 students from Lydiard Park Academy. The visit allowed pupils a first glimpse of the space that is expected to become their new place of learning next year.
Councillor Courtliff, who holds the housing and property portfolio for Swindon Borough Council, expressed his satisfaction that the work is being managed with appropriate sensitivity. He stated that the investment demonstrates a commitment to adapting historic assets for modern use without compromising their character. Councillor Tomlinson added that the project represents a significant investment in the future of the borough's young people.
The council has a long-standing history with the site, having acquired Lydiard House in 1943 with the express intention of providing community, youth and educational services. While the refurbishment work focuses on the first floor, the Lydiard House Museum continues to host public events and exhibitions in its state room, ensuring the site remains accessible to visitors throughout the construction process.
The new centre is expected to open its doors to students in 2026, marking a new chapter for one of the region's most significant historic buildings.
Source: Swindon Advertiser - Politics · View original