Historic structure inside beauty spot could be demolished

A historic building in Swindon, which was set to be brought back to life, could now be looking at demolition.

Built in 1953, the hothouse that stands in Queen’s Park, Swindon, was designed by J Loring-Morgan and incorporated a large central conservatory complete with high-level heating pipework.

However, after bad storms in the early 1990s, the glass was removed from the central conservatory, and the building was left in disrepair.

The hothouse was then boarded up and closed completely to the public in 2020, after the building was ruled unsafe and concrete cladding began to fall off.

Ambitious plans, submitted in 2021, were set to bring the hothouse back to life for use by wedding parties, theatre productions and festivals.

However, the latest South Swindon Parish Council meeting suggests that demolition could now be on the cards, as new options are considered.

The Queen’s Park hothouse was first built in the 1950s

A spokesperson from South Swindon Parish Council told the Swindon Advertiser: “This structure, originally constructed in 1964, has been in a deteriorating condition since storm damage in the early 1990s.

“Historic England and Heritage Officers have advised that removal of the remaining structure is necessary and would not require planning permission, on the grounds of health and safety, tree protection and lack of an ability to list the remaining structure.

“The remaining brick and concrete framework has been deemed unstable and presents a significant safety risk to park users.”

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They added: “The council is taking a measured approach that prioritises public safety while respecting heritage implications.

“We are currently obtaining quotations for both stabilisation and careful takedown options to ensure all possibilities are thoroughly explored.

“We are also exploring exciting opportunities to enhance this area of the park for community benefit, including the potential for improved amenities such as a café facility.”

Although the park itself has been Grade II listed since 2001, heritage advice confirms that the building itself cannot be listed due to the removal of the roof and glass structure.

Queen’s Park is managed by South Swindon Parish Council(Image: Newsquest)

On Tuesday, September 9, Historic England workers visited Queen’s Park to determine whether the hothouse is “at risk” and should be put on the Heritage At Risk Register.

If this is the case, the building could be eligible for repair grant funding to help restore it.

However, with concern over public safety and deterioration growing, South Swindon Parish Council has made it clear that demolition has not been ruled out.

Speaking when plans were first submitted in 2021, former parish clerk Rob Core told the council: “We inherited these assets and we recognise there’s a need for expertise in managing these sites.

“We cannot leave them as they are, they’re deteriorating fast.”