Swindon residents get behind developer looking to to buy Apsley House

By Jessica Durston jessica@positive-media.co.uk

Local developer Arthur Dallimer has received messages of support and praise from members of the Swindon public in response to his released plans for the Apsley House site.

Arthur Dallimer, a local developer born in Swindon, received over 100 messages from business groups, local residents and community groups with a vested interest in the future of the site that was previously Swindon’s Museum and Art Gallery.

Mr Dallimer recently released images and visuals of what he would do with the former museum on the website apsleycorner. com and asked Swindon people for feedback, and to show their support for the scheme.

Arthur said: “The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with businesses and the community wanting the property as a series of commercial units for everyone to benefit from. I am so pleased it has been received so warmly and I welcome more views from all areas of the community.”

The local developer’s plans would see the listed 1830s main building converted into a shop and cafe on the ground floor, and a co-working space akin to We-Work on the top floor.

Arthur’s plan would also involve the 1960’s extension on the right of the building being converted into a 90-seater restaurant wrapped in a glass fronted facade with wooden slats.

He added: “I was inspired by the RWA building in Bristol and their beautiful conversion of a listed building, and wanted to do something with Apsley

House once I knew that it could no longer be maintained under council ownership.” Swindon Borough Council are said to be faced with a large budget deficit of approximately £36m. Local people have expressed concerns that Apsley House will be sold above market rate to a flats developer.

Mr Dallimer says that he hopes the council will see the long term value in his design. Those interested can view the full plans and add their comments online by visiting www.apsleycorner.com