Praise for plans to turn Apsley House into restaurant and shops

The proposal is one of several from the potential new owners of Apsley House which Swindon Borough Council will be considering before a final decision is made later this month.

Developer Arthur Dallimer has received more than 100 messages of support from business groups, community groups and Old Town neighbours about his idea since he released the first details and images last week.

If the application is approved, Apsley House would have its ground floor converted into a shop and café while a co-working space occupies the first floor of the listed 1830s structure, and the extension built in the 1960s would become a 90-seater restaurant with a glass-fronted façade.

Switch on to Swindon business group chair Paddy Bradley MBE said: “Our organisation is run by a group of businesses who are committed to bringing people and other businesses to Swindon.

“The building has had a significant role in Swindon’s society, housing great Swindon memorabilia and one of the best 20th century art collections in the country.

“Now it needs a new purpose and a new lease of life, which [Arthur’s] concept will provide and add value to the immediate Old Town environment and the wider Swindon economy.”

What Apsley House might look like if used as a shop and restaurant (Image: Arthur Dallimer)

Estate agent Richard James added: “This is a great use of the former museum that will bring some life, style, and attention to a beautiful and under-used building.

“I’d like to think Swindon Borough Council will recognise the longer term value this brings to the town and the community. Investment and confident design like this encourages others to follow.

“The town centre remains challenging but Old Town has a great business community and some momentum. Let’s hope SBC recognises and supports this rather than obstructs.”

Kenna Leigh, who lives in the area, thinks it “would be a stunning addition to Old Town".

She added: “We can’t have another historical building go to waste in this town. Creating a commercial space will only add to the quality of life in the area, create job opportunities, and a sense of community. I really hope Swindon council listen to the people of Swindon and push for this.”

The museum and art gallery’s collection is currently housed in the local authority’s civic offices while work on a Cultural Quarter in the town centre slowly progresses.

In the meantime, Apsley House has remained vacant and there are concerns it could be turned into flats.

Neighbour Janet Johnson said: "Simply awarding the sale to the highest bidder completely ignores the enormous benefit this development would bring to the local area and local economy.

“We must invest in keeping the spirit of our town alive and in supporting local business and, in this instance, the investment would be in choosing the right developer over the highest bidder.

“Turning the site into flats simply dilutes the area and gives people even less reason to visit the area and in turn support local businesses. Common sense must prevail here.”

Mr Dallimer said: “I was inspired by the RWA building in Bristol and their beautiful conversion of a listed building, and wanted to do something with Apsley House once I knew that it could no longer be maintained under council ownership.

“The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with businesses and the community wanting the property as a series of commercial units for everyone to benefit from.

“I am so pleased it has been received so warmly and I welcome more views from all areas of the community.”