Plans for the former museum and art gallery in Swindon have been given the go-ahead.

Entrepreneur Arthur Dallimer, 29, is working in collaboration with planners at Swindon Borough Council and has been permitted to start work on Apsley House on Bath Road, which has been vacant for three years.

Arthur plans to create a flagship 90-cover restaurant within the Grade II listed building, one retail unit on the ground floor of the main house and a co-working space upstairs which can be used by local businesses or sole traders.

The work will also include upgrading several retail units on Victoria Road.

Arthur said: “It’s been quite a journey to get to this stage and I’m thrilled that we can finally bring this historic building back to life and get it back into use as a thriving part of Swindon’s Old Town.

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“I want to work collaboratively with Swindon Council on this project as I’m passionate about Swindon and the need to improve and even save its heritage assets. 

“I was born and brought up here and I want to create something we are all proud of, which benefits the economy of Old Town as well as Swindon as a whole. I also hope this helps to change the perception of the town through protecting and embracing our important architectural and heritage buildings.

Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “I am delighted that Arthur can now bring forward his exciting plans for Apsley House and rejuvenate one of Old Town’s most significant and recognisable buildings.

“We very much want to see developments like this come forward in Swindon as it aligns with our mission to Build a Better Swindon. What is great about this particular scheme is that it will transform a Grade II listed building into a modern and contemporary use.

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“This is all thanks to Arthur’s vision. It has also involved lots of work from our planning team to ensure the important heritage aspects of Apsley are retained, so I’d like to thank all our officers for their efforts.

“I am looking forward to seeing the development take shape now planning permission has been secured.”

The former museum and art gallery closed during the Covid-19 pandemic and did not reopen as significant repairs needed to be done to the building and there were concerns over its limited accessibility.

Museum & Art Swindon moved from Apsley House to the art deco Civic Offices in Euclid Street in July which is more accessible, has around 40 per cent more display space and is free to enter.

Read More: Plans for Apsley House to become restaurant and shops

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