I reckon there are many schools, colleges and universities out there that would love to have this building on the front of their prospectus to celebrate their heritage. However, when Swindon College decided to sell up and up sticks and move to their North Star campus, they gave up the opportunity to showcase this wonderful Victorian building.
I’ve no idea about the factors that led to Swindon College’s decision to give up this building but I suspect it had something to do with falling student numbers and having to reduced overheads which forced them to consolidate by moving to a single site. And so it was in 2006, the building was vacated. It is true that the main 1960s campus building that adjoined this one was an eye sore and many in the town breathed a sigh of relief when that was taken down. The fete of this building however was uncertain for a long time. Although after being vacated by the college in 2006 it was in a good state, the following years saw its decline as windows were broken and holes appeared in the roof as it fell prey to urban explorers and vandals. At one time it looked that this building too would need to be demolished. In 2014, English Heritage gave it grade 2 listed status which may have saved it from the bulldozers. Having grade 2 listing in itself is not a guarantee of a secure future for a building though. You only need look at two other grade 2 listed buildings in the town; The Locarno and The Mechanics Institute to see how such structures can be left boarded up, unused and uncared for with no plans to do anything with them.
This story does have a happy ending though. Renovation was completed in 2018 and this building now comprises 24 flats and its future looks secure. In some ways like Gilbert’s Hill School, that is situated just behind this building, it is a shame that it’s no longer going to be used for its intended purpose. However, at least the structure has been saved and the external appearance has been preserved. I have, and I’m sure many others in the town have, fond memories of having lessons in this building and so are pleased it’s all worked out well.
Refs.
Derelict Swindon technical college to be turned into apartments – BBC News
Grade II-listed building in Victoria Road being converted into 24 flats | Swindon Advertiser