I have seen the artist's images of how the redundant Mechanics Institute may look when it is restored, and I feel there is a lot more to this than meets the eye.
To have this towering glass monstrosity built onto a Grade II listed building is not only an eyesore, it's criminal.
Talk about double standards.
On August 8, 2001, a story appeared in the Evening Advertiser about a shop owner in Old Town whose 'crime' was to enhance the front of her shop by installing a new window to replace the former dilapidated one.
The grey suits in the planning department told her to remove it, and return it to its previous dilapidated state to be more in keeping with the area.
So, what's so different about building a modern glass tower onto a Grade II listed building?
Will this be in keeping with the area?
And just how many hotels do we need in Swindon? It won't be long before Swindon consists of nothing but public houses and hotels.
Why not turn the Civic Offices into a playhouse? After all, we already have the actors.
B W Breakspear
Deburgh Street
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article