This is how the 19th century Mechanics' Institute will look if plans go ahead to turn it into a 21st century hotel.

Plans submitted to Swindon Council could turn the town's decaying Mechanics' Institute into a futuristic hotel.

The 1930s brick tower in the middle of the Grade II*-listed building could become a shimmering glass structure.

Other parts of the building, which sits in the heart of Swindon's historic railway village, could be repaired, restored and turned into flats, a restaurant and a health and fitness club.

The plans were submitted just 13 weeks after councillors granted Mechanics' owner Mathew Singh permission for a change of use.

They could see the crumbling building in Emlyn Square finally taken off the English Heritage register of buildings at risk.

Planners will consider the latest proposals next year.

Mr Singh, 40, a London-based entrepreneur, said: "If Brunel was around today I'm sure he would approve of these futuristic plans.

"The year 2004 marks 150 years since the laying of the Mechanics' foundation stone and 2006 will commemorate the 200th anniversary of Brunel's birth.

"I think this is a fitting time to act quickly to save this emblem of Swindon.

"The huge, superbly conserved historic GWR area in Swindon a town with a modern associations and go-ahead ways is sadly let down by the abandoned state of a building that used to be the heart of the area.

"And, as a symbol of the town, it reflects badly on Swindon. My plan is bold because only dramatic intervention can succeed in realising the potential of the Mechanics' in the third millennium."

Since Mr Singh brought the institute in March he has tried to breathe new life into it.

It has been boarded up and sealed from the elements and the inside cleared of needles, syringes and brushwood.

Mr Singh, who used to live in Station Road, has promised to treat the building's most significant aspects, including the 1855 Lecture Theatre, the 1882 Reading Room and the grand marble staircase at the southern end, with sensitivity.

The Mechanic's Institute Committee built it in 1854. It cost £3,000, and was financed by the sale of shares.

"Since the building's change of ownership earlier this year I have, regrettably, encountered some degree of scepticism about my intentions," said Mr Singh.

"Some people even claimed that ownership hadn't really changed.

"I rely on both Swindon Council and English Heritage to deal with my applications fairly and efficiently because delay will be my enemy.

"My applications make clear the nature of the alterations that I consider are required to achieve a spectacular transformation in the building's fortunes."

The submitted plans follow the granting of planning permission in late September for a change of use of the building to hotel and other activities.

Council leader Mike Bawden said: "The Mechanics has, for too many years, blemished the council's remarkable and award winning rescue of the Railway Village.

"I am pleased to see that there is now a detailed application on the table for planning officers and the planning committee to consider.

"As always it is important for the people of Swindon to have their say and I would urge residents to make their views known to the council's planning office."

Martha Parry, a trustee of the New Mechanics' Institution Preservation Trust is not impressed with the plans.

She said: "Isn't that all rather shallow for a building that was the heart and soul of the community?

"A health and fitness centre just does not do it for us.

"Is that all Swindon deserves from its finest building?"

Members of the public have eight weeks to make their comments on the plans known to the council.

You can also contact the Advertiser newsdesk on 01793 528144 or send a letter to the editor with your views.

By Giles Sheldrick