NEWS of plans to bring an iconic Swindon landmark back to life received mixed reactions of excitement and scepticism.

The Heritage Action Zone project will see Swindon Borough Council, Historic England and the Mechanics’ Institution Trust work to gether to survey the Mechanics Institute and determine its potential for restoration.

The Emlyn Square structure has been left derelict for decades in the heart of the Railway Village.

As the building is privately owned, making any changes to it will be a complicated task which the council says will take “many years to take forward”.

Neighbours living nearby may see some activity at the historic building over the next week or so, as a survey is carried out which will assess the condition of the building and identify any urgent actions that might need to take place to ensure it remains safe.

The survey will identify the likely costs to restore the building to how it was at the time it was listed.

Once the council has this information, it will then be able to decide how it can move forward with the building and enter into constructive discussions with the owner.

Here's what you thought of the project:

Roma Liddiard: "It's about time. Let's hope it has not gone too far into disrepair. That was one of the most amazing buildings inside and out.

"Why it got left to rot is baffling to me. This was what Swindon was about. So so sad."

Marc Stephens: "Heard it all before."

Jeanette Koza: "Actions speak louder than words, it’s been like this for 40 years."

Gavin Sime: "I'll believe it when I see it!"

Mark Fisher: "Why not build a Monorail and connect it to the Oasis?"

David Stone: "And stopping off at the snow dome, obviously.”

Susan Hill: "Believe it when it happens."

Phil Woodfield: "No chance."

Gary Webb: "Don't worry about a building that has had its day, sort the town for 2022.

"It's a shame but the town needs to move on or get bypassed by other towns."

Pat Sykes: "It’s about time, make a compulsory purchase order, problem solved."

Milena Bianca: "Fantastic!"

Wayne Andrew Hedges: "Promises promises promises, it has stood empty since 1986.

"I was only 10 years old when it shut, and the only thing that's happened is the theatre roof has been removed thanks to the owner of the building, after which the council had to step in and do a make-shift roof repair."

Dean Davis: "I don't know how many times they have said this and then never do it."

Lesley Corder: "Anyone else see pigs flying?"

Richard Bujas: "We’ve heard that one before!"

Jackie Wright-Neville: "Such a waste of a beautiful building."

Paul White: "Now it makes sense, this is how the council will justify our council tax rises this year."

Ryan Kirby: "It will probably fall down before any plans appear on their tables."

James McKinley: "I’ll believe it when I see people actively working on it."

Sam Baker: "Really? When? The council have been saying it for years."

Shane Farmer: "How many times has this been said?

"It won’t happen, they would rather waste their money on another new bus station that isn’t going to work because people don’t want to come to the town because there’s nothing here.

"Try getting stuff here before you invite people to the town."

Lucy Temp Peel: "Only 'many more years' to wait... after already waiting many years."

Karen Meechan: "If it’s left much longer it will collapse and be gone - hurry up and get on with it."

'Appraiser': "Let us for a change have a positive approach to this problem.

"An historic building needs to be preserved. A survey to establish work and costs is a necessity.

"How about spending some small amount of money to cover the windows and openings with banners to show what they would look like."