A bid for in excess of £4 million more in funding to allow more improvements to be made to the Victorian Health Hydro in Milton Road has been made by Swindon Borough Council.

This comes as work has begun on fixing the roofs and stonework and windows in the buildings – part of £6.9m project to significantly refurbish the buildings.

The first phase of the project will see the electrical, plumbing and heating systems replaced, as well as new changing rooms, a gym, and a refurbished entrance.

But to complete more work, such as fully repairing the main pool, will take another £5.7m. The council has bid for £4.6m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for heritage and culture Councillor Marina Strinkovsky said: “This bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund signals a new era and wave of optimism for Swindon’s heritage and marks an important milestone for the restoration and regeneration of this building.

Swindon Advertiser: How the main pool might look after refurbishmentHow the main pool might look after refurbishment (Image: SBC)“The Hydro is an important landmark for the town and it’s one we want to see restored to its former glory and available for future generations to enjoy.

“We have recently embarked on developing a new Heritage Plan, which will chart our next priorities for unlocking the value and opportunities from Swindon’s rich heritage, not only including the Hydro but also in the rest of the Railway Village and the Borough as a whole.”

Andrea Christmas, from the Friends of the Health Hydro group, said: “The Friends of the Swindon Health Hydro are fully supportive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund bid for the phase two works on the Hydro, which will consolidate the phase one renovation. Specifically, the improved insulation will see the large pool provide a much better customer experience as well as providing sustainability for the future of this unique building.

“We are also delighted that Historic England has awarded £400,000 towards the renovation of the Health Hydro. The funds will be used to provide some much-needed improvements to the frontage of this important building, which has served the health and well-being of people in Swindon for 130 years.

“Together, these renovations will be helping to ensure that the Health Hydro can serve the people of Swindon for many more years.”

The council will hear in March next year if its bid has been successful. If it has, another bid for further funds will then be prepared.