ONE of Swindon’s most iconic buildings remains high on a list of sites most at risk of falling into such a state of disrepair they will never be able to be restored.

The Mechanics’ Institute in the Railway Village has been left unused for many years despite attempts to bring it back to life.

The theatre on the large site was ranked 10th on a list of buildings most at risk by the Theatres Trust.

The list is compiled annually and the Mechanics' has been a regular fixture since 2007, but this is the highest it has been ranked since 2010.

Despite its place on the list, Daniel Rose of the Mechanics' Institute says there are positives to be taken.

He said: “Obviously we don’t want to see it on the list and it is disappointing to see it there again. The theatre is a key part of the building but unfortunately it is in the place which has seen the most deterioration.

“With each day, month and year that goes past there is more damage being done and with winter approaching this is likely to get even worse.

“But being on this list shows there is a lot of interest in this building of national significance. I was at the announcement of this year’s list and a lot of people were asking me questions so it is good the Mechanics' has a high profile.

“It shows the building is getting the national recognition it deserves.

“Although it was on yet again, a number of theatres came off the list as they have been brought back in to use so I am seeing this as a positive.”

The Grade II listed building was built in 1855 but closed almost 30 years ago and has been left abandoned ever since.

However, the council recently listed bringing the Mechanics' back into use as one of its long term priorities, although Daniel is confident something could happen sooner.

He said: “For the first time in a long time it seems as though everyone is pulling in the same direction and recognises that something needs to be done.

“It’s good that it has been placed as a priority but I don’t think saying it will happen in the long-term will make that much a of a difference because everyone is working towards finally sorting anyway.”