Renovation of historic Health Hydro moves a step closer

The refurbishment of the former Victorian baths and dispensary on Milton Road has been identified as a priority project in the town’s Heritage Action Zone to create a unique leisure and heritage destination, which will help boost the local economy by drawing people into Swindon’s town centre.

So far, £1.5m in funding has already been committed by Swindon Borough Council for its restoration and Swindon’s Town Deal Board will soon submit a business case for a further £5m from the Government’s Towns Fund.

The Health Hydro is one of six projects identified by the Board for a share of the £19.5m allocated to Swindon from the Government’s Towns Fund.

The Council is leading on the investment of over £100m in town centre projects over the next four years, the majority of which has been secured though successful funding bids to central government. The Heritage Action Zone brings support and £1.6m funding from Historic England to revitalise the Railway Village where the Health Hydro is located.

The original Milton Road baths and dispensary, which was paid for by the workers of the Great Western Railway through its Medical Fund Society, was designed by local architect JJ Smith and opened in 1891. Its later success drew the attention of Nye Bevan and it became the blueprint for the National Health Service.

The building’s listing was upgraded to II* in 2019, in recognition of its significant architectural and historical value, placing the building in a group of just six per cent of listed buildings in the country.

Over the next two years, enhancements to the leisure facilities housed within the building will take place along with repairs and maintenance to the structure of the building. Additional works will also be undertaken to restore and reinstate the building's historical features.

Plans for the renovations will be handled by a consortium led by Fourth Street, who have helped to deliver projects such as Alexandra Palace, the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre and St George’s Park, home of the English FA.

The first phase of the project will involve the submission of a business case by Swindon’s Town Deal Board. If that is approved, phase two will begin which will see detailed design work and delivery of the renovation by March 2024.

Councillor Robert Jandy, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Heritage, Leisure and Town Centre Experience, said: “Fourth Street has a really impressive track record and I’m really pleased we will have them on board when the refurbishment of this amazing building gets underway.

“While we’re still a few months off physical work starting, this appointment is a key step to making sure the Health Hydro remains true to its historic roots and provides an amazing health and leisure experience for its visitors.”

Jim Roberts, Director of Fourth Street, added: “We are delighted to be supporting the Council and its partners in developing and delivering this ambitious and strategic project for Swindon.

“The Health Hydro’s Grade II* listing not only acknowledges its heritage significance but also the importance of its social value and history and the vision for its restoration will strongly reflect this.

“The team we have assembled will drive forward the re-development of this symbolic and much-loved building so that it can once again be at the heart of social, cultural and economic life in Swindon.”

For more information on projects and investment that is taking place in Swindon town centre over the next four years, visit: www.swindon.gov.uk/towncentreregeneration