Latest news with #CarriageWorks
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New update on historic Carriage Works project
New roofing has been installed as part of the new Carriage Works regeneration project. The council hopes to "bring new life to these historic buildings" as part of a regeneration phase that began in April. They said: "The latest phase of regeneration at the historic site began in April with new roof slating being installed before glazing and windows are added." Work is continuing to progress with Nationwide Engineering contractor coming in to "convert the four units inside into useable space for future uses". The council's statement continued: "The units have been designed as 'shell and core' spaces, meaning they are flexible for an incoming organisation to configure as they see fit. "This could include high quality office space, research and development, educational spaces or digital and creative work areas. "The historic site has already been part refurbished and is home to the Cultural Heritage Institute, iCAST (run by the University of Bath and University of Oxford), Create Studios and The Workshed." The town centre building was constructed in 1876 and became part of the largest locomotive carriage works in the country. But the site sat empty for nearly 30 years following its closure in 1986. Recommended reading Swindon welcomes ban on Thames Water bosses receiving bonuses Problem roundabout with 'confusing lane markings' set to FINALLY be fixed Changes made to food waste recycling in Swindon Swindon Town Women complete raft of contract extensions Swindon school opens first library space for more than 10 years The development will also include refurbished spaces on the Bristol Street car park side of the building and on London Street which has been derelict and empty for decades. Plans are being formed to decide how this land can be repurposed to provide a new commercial, educational, and residential quarter. Councillor Kevin Small, Swindon Borough Council's cabinet member for finance, said: "Not only will this bring new life to these historic buildings, but it will also enhance the surrounding area, bringing in more footfall to the town centre." On May 5, the Advertiser reported that the new Carriage Works had been shortlisted for a prestigious regional award. The project is up for the regeneration and conservation category at the Construction Excellence South West Awards. Residents are still able to vote for the Carriage Works project via the Construction Excellence South West Awards website. The ceremony will take place at the Aerospace Bristol on July 17. Ross Simmonds, regional director for Historic England in the South West, said: 'We're delighted that the Carriage Works in Swindon has been shortlisted for the 2025 Constructing Excellence South West regeneration and conservation award, highlighting the power of heritage-led partnerships to breathe new life into communities."
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Restored building that is part of Swindon's history up for a prestigious award
The restoration of Swindon's historic Carriage Works has been shortlisted in prestigious regional awards, showcasing excellence in the construction history. Local residents are being urged to vote in the public voting by Swindon Borough Council, helping the Carriage Works win. Unit 7B, which hosts the University of Bath and Oxford's Innovation Centre for Applied Sustainable Technologies (iCAST) facility, was nominated earlier this year in the Regeneration and Conservation category of the Construction Excellence South West (CESW) Awards. The icast unit, a joint endeavour between the two universities that supports private businesses with developing sustainable technologies, is part of a wider regeneration scheme at the Carriage Works site. A number of units have so far been renovated and occupied, including The Workshed, the Royal Agricultural University's Cultural Heritage Institute and Create Studios. Mirabelle Stobbs, Property Assets Officer at Swindon Borough Council, said: 'Working on the Carriage Works buildings to bring them into productive modern use is a pleasure and a privilege. 'The digital, tech and creative business community developing here is a great place to work and it is fantastic recognition that the Carriage Works refurbishment is being recognised in these significant awards.' Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Planning, said: 'It's great to see the Carriage Works getting the recognition it deserves. 'A lot of thought went into to the design of the space, to make it a future-facing workspace that feels modern and convenient, while retaining the building's historic identity. 'The work to regenerate the site is a long process but with four units already occupied and a further four on the way, it's really starting to get a new lease of life. 'While I know we're up against some tough opposition, I'm sure Swindonians will get behind us and give us the best chance of coming home with the award.' Ross Simmonds, Regional Director for Historic England in the South West, said: 'We're delighted that the Carriage Works in Swindon has been shortlisted for the 2025 Constructing Excellence South West regeneration and conservation award, highlighting the power of heritage-led partnerships to breathe new life into communities. To vote for the Carriage Works in the Construction Excellence South West Awards, visit
BBC News
05-02-2025
- General
- BBC News
Swindon's 'Great Wall' and the story of its industrial heritage
A 91-year-old historian is delving into the industrial past of an imposing stone wall in the heart of Hayward, who has lived in the Wiltshire city for most of his life, says the 150-year-old "Great Wall of Swindon" represents the "struggles of generations of families".He said the area around the wall was transformed from greenfield into a thriving industrial hub, "creating the Swindon we have today".Mr Hayward is hosting an event in the town on 6 February to share his research. The wall was built around Great Western Railway's Carriage Works factory to protect workers from the busy and dangerous Bristol to London railway line. The once-bustling works were a key site during the town's expansion in the Victorian era. The workshops produced everything from locomotives, including the soft furnishings and woodwork for the interiors, to artificial limbs for injured rail Armstrong, GWR's locomotive superintendent from 1864 until his death in 1877, was responsible for the construction of the Carriage was not just an exceptional engineer but also a progressive leader who played a pivotal role in improving working part of his construction efforts, the wall was built between 1868 and 1876, running from Rodbourne Road to the train station. Mr Hayward is a former clerical officer at the workshops. He argues that the wall is a symbol of the town's industrial heritage and the workers who shaped its history."It represents the struggles of generations of Swindon families who played out their abject lives living and working in an industrial environment in the second half of the industrial revolution," he said. "[The families] were not privileged with the benefits of a modern society that we enjoy today. They had to carve out of the community they had created, the structures of governance to give themselves health, education and social facilities so that they could improve their quality of life."I think they are worth remembering, and as long as the Great Wall stands it will be their reminder."Mr Hayward's talk is being held with Swindon Heritage Preservation trust at the Central Community Centre in Swindon at 18:00 GMT on 6 February.
