1854: The Mechanics' Institute us built by the Mechanics' Institute Committee and cost £3,000. The committee sold shares to raise the money.
1960: The Library closes after 117 years due to a fall in workforce and therefore income.
1985: British Rail Engineering offers the building to Thamesdown Borough Council.
1986: Railway works close and the Mechanics' is sold to a private developer. A community battle against a nightclub leads to its re-sale.
1990: The council refuses permission to turn the building into a hotel because of opposition
1991: Owner appeals and gains approval.
1995: A new campaign to stop deterioration of the building leads to the formation of the New Mechanics' Preservation Trust with 2,200 supporters.
2003: Mountmead Limited sells the building to Forefront Estates Limited, whose completed ownership is to be announced imminently.
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