The Mechanics Institution is located in the  Railway Village.  It is difficult to write about the building without becoming emotional and complaining!  This building was important to Swindon and it has been allowed to become derelict.  Disgraceful.

Over a number of years we have read in the local newspaper about its decline; the possible business uses it could be put to if money would be invested, the electorate's disappointment at the council for allowing its continued neglect and about the committee formed to save the building who are desperate to find funding to do so.  And yet it still remains in this sorry state.

Come on Swindon!  We have precious little remaining of our railway heritage - don't let this one go the way of our other historical buildings.  It must not be left to fall down or knocked down because it has become too dangerous to leave standing.  There are some things more important than money.

There is a comprehensive history, lots of information and photographs about the building at the Mechanics' Institution Trust's own website:  Click Here.  There are also details of how to join the Trust (just one pound a year) and/or how to make a donation to the Trust.

This is a listed building, for further details see the  Historic England  website.