swindonweb®  home    make this my homepage
myswindonweb   LOGIN / REGISTER  
Date added: 28 March 2012

Is It The End Of The Locarno? 

What do you think? Save it or demolish it - SWTV VOX POP
 
Swindon Voices
It's one of Swindon's oldest - and most negelcted buildings - the former Locarno in Old Town.
 
And now it faces demolition after its owner, Gael Mackenzie, made an application for it be knocked down and the land redeveloped. The result largely of 12 years of rangling over planning permission and failed attempts to turn it into a restaurant, flats and a hotel.
 
But what do you think?
 
SWTV took to the streets of Old Town to ask opinion.  
 





 
Locarno Swindon

Locarno Swindon
 
GOT AN OPINION ON THIS STORY?
have your say
We'd like to hear what YOU have to say about this article
All posts will be moderated.
YOUR VIEWS:
"I would like to see the building restored and put to good use as a restaurant/bar/flats. If a developer is willing to spend the money then the council should be assisting the developer and not turning down every application. The same can be said for the Mechanics. Swindon Council have done nothing to assist the developers who have purchased these properties. They are not going to spend their money to create a building that can not give a return in revenue."
NickG - 08/11/2012 16:38:00
"Save it. It needs symapathetic development. Look at the du vin chain - only possible using historic beautiful buildings. This is the ugliest city I have ever lived in, if it has a chance to attract people buildings like this must be preserved."
eleanor - 10/05/2012 11:12:00
"SAVE SAVE SAVE - Cannot express enough how old town needs to retain some history and heritage and this building would be the perfect way to celebrate and have something to be proud of in old town. The ideas are endless for what it could be turned into. Late night bars and clubs is not one of them! Come on SBC save this building!!!"
Lydia Hunt - 18/04/2012 14:28:00
"Save it please, what's happening to our Swindon,restore the building from the outside and make it look modern from the inside. Are they knocking down buildings with character in London!"
jagsandhu - 01/04/2012 20:34:00
"I find it ironic and sad that the Borough is working on a new Heritage Strategy called 'Swindon Has Heritage' and we can't seem to do anything to keep it. As the Council owns the car parks around the building surely they can come up with a creative way to save the building while not building something so big it offends the nearby residents. Other councils have successfully worked with Community groups to save and manage heritage buildings, why doesn't SBC?? Lisa Hawkes Chairman, Swindon Civic Voice"
Sekwah - 31/03/2012 13:21:00
"Swindon does not have a good record with regards preserving its heritage, just look at the mechanics. It's not as if Swindon is awash of old beutiful buildings, what is really needed here yet more flats or improved public space and recreational areas which would improve the town's image."
darrey80 - 28/03/2012 18:35:00
RELATED CONTENT
Adver Towers Shelved!
Adver Towers Shelved! UPDATE: Apology & plans withdrawn after public outcry over Old Town development proposal - HAVE YOUR SAY
More12 March 2016
The Corn Exchange - Past & Future
The Corn Exchange - Past & Future A spectacular aerial look at the history & new plans for one of Swindon's most historic buildings - WATCH VIDEOS
More22 November 2013
The Big Clean Up - Part II!
The Big Clean Up - Part II! Volunteers turn out again to spuce up Old Town - and we salute you! GALLERY
More29 September 2013
The Grand Plan For Old Town
The Grand Plan For Old Town And maybe, just maybe, this time it's going to happen...
More30 July 2013
Life In The Old Bell Yet!
Life In The Old Bell Yet! UPDATE: But not as a pub... new coffee shop and retail units planned for historic Old Town building...
More24 May 2013
SWINDON VOICES: The Falklands
SWINDON VOICES: The Falklands We ask the people of Swindon their opinion - SWTV VOX POP
More
What will become of the Locarno site in Old Town?
What will become of the Locarno site in Old Town? Bach Homes publish an account of the last 10 years' efforts to regenerate the Locarno in Old Town...
More15 April 2011
The History of Old Town
The History of Old Town The story of Swindon is really a Tale of Two Towns...
More
RELATED LINKS
The Locarno - developers website
RELATED CATEGORIES
  Old Town  
  Old Town Christmas Lights  
  Old Town Festival  
  Swindon Voices  
myswindonweb
Deacons
Janet's Puppy School
Chelworth Windows and Conservatories, Swindon, Wiltshire
Toomers