Swindon Heritage Preservation 2024 Annual Report
The Trusts Vision
We will work toward a future where Swindon’s historic buildings and social heritage are once again a source of community renewal, empowerment, and civic pride.
Our mission statement
The Trust will take a leading role in the conservation, regeneration and reuse of Swindon’s historic buildings. We will use our heritage spaces to create opportunities for social, economic, and cultural interactions and exchanges, empowering and championing pride in our community. We will recognise the collective importance of our social history and values and use it to support and deliver community wellbeing, social capital, and a sense of belonging.
Our strategic aims
Over the next four-years, the Trust will:
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1) Develop our identity and brand as a leading advocate for Swindon’s heritage through support for the sustainable conservation and management of historic buildings in the Borough
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2) Grow our network of supporters, partners and decision-makers to promote Swindon’s heritage and secure investment in its future
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3) Restructure and modernise our systems of governance to ensure sustainable growth in our personnel, operations and finances
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4) Work with Swindon Borough Council and relevant bodies to secure the sustainable restoration and reuse of the Mechanics’ Institution
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5) Create opportunities for the expression and development of social capital, social enterprise, skills, and knowledge, for all of Swindon’s diverse identities and communities
Achievements and Performance
The main achievements during the 2023-24 Financial year (1 June 2023 – 31 May 2024) can be summarised as follows:
1. Challenges for Charities
The Trust faces significant challenges due to increased material costs, energy prices, and operational costs. This is affecting many businesses and charities alike. However, central to a charity’s success is its trustees, its supporters, its members and volunteers.
2. The Mechanics Institute and The Works Conservation area
Swindon Borough Council have produced a roadmap towards the acquisition of the Mechanics Institute. Swindon Heritage Preservation are actively engaged in supporting the development of this roadmap and hope to work together with the Council to ensure a positive future for this much-loved building.
The trust has supported The Works Conservation group with their work on The Works Heritage Trail website which is a visual map of the Heritage quarter showing each landmark, building and places of historic value in the local area. This relationship is something we want to continue and grow going forward.
3. The Railway Village Museum
As part of our ongoing review of our strategic plan, the Trust took a different approach towards the museum in this period. Focusing not so much on the museum aspect of the building but more of a visitor experience, a ‘Victorian house caught in time’.
The Trust has introduced a partnership with Prime Theatre with the ‘Mrs Smith’ project, which has been positively received by all. The Museum team's new approach has resulted in a marked increase to income.
4. Building Preservation
The Cricketers remains a work in progress, but with some spaces adequately restored to be included in our Community Spaces for hire. This is proving positive in terms of income and community engagement. However, there is still work to do, which has meant the Trust need to seek further grant funding in 2025.
5. Community Spaces
The Trust have brought together our 3 buildings that have spaces for hire (The Bakers, The Cricketers and Central Community Centre) under one banner. This gives the Trust and the people booking, more choices and flexibility. This has started off well and we want to see this grow in the coming years.
6. Community and Engagement
Our Community and Engagement Lead, Dan Fishlock, along with a team of volunteer ‘Global gardeners’ have achieved widespread accolades for their work with local communities, bringing people together and welcoming them into our town.
We continue to participate in and hold local events, including Pride, Swindon in Bloom and many others. Our book clubs, Bingo sessions, car boots and heritage talk series have been a great way to engage with our local communities and groups.
This year saw the last Heritage Action Zone ‘HODs’ event and whilst the community will miss this investment going forward, our work with Swindon Borough Council and others will ensure the Trust are at the forefront of any further heritage activities.
Summary
The Trust has had a successful year, marked by significant community engagement and numerous local activities and events. Whilst there remains significant work ahead, the Trust will ensure our priorities in the coming year sustain our progress.
The board and trustees extend their gratitude to the staff, volunteers, and supporters for their continued support throughout the year.
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