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Railway workers' health centre to reopen in 2026

Kelly Morgan
BBC Wiltshire Reporter
Reporting fromSwindon
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After months of delay, Swindon's historic Health Hydro is set to reopen early next year.

Originally due to be completed in late 2024, the discovery of asbestos and moisture issues has delayed the progress.

Once reopened improvements to the Victorian building will include a new gym, modernised accessible changing facilities, a ventilation system and a new engine room.

The facility closed two years ago to begin the multi-million-pound restoration which is phase one of the long-term goal of restoring the entire building to its former glory as a centre of health and well-being.

Marina Strinkovsky wearing an orange hard hat and high visibility vest with the large pool in the background
Marina Strinkovsky - cabinet member for placemaking and planning at Swindon Borough Council

Originally known as the Swimming Baths and Dispensary the facility was paid for and built by GWR workers housed in Swindon's nearby railway village.

It opened in 1891 with baths and pools, a dispensary and consulting rooms for doctors, dentists and other health care professionals.

The current restoration is being carried out in phases as funding is progressively secured, with the overall vision being to fully restore the building to its former glory as a centre for health and well-being.

The outside of the Health Hydro on Milton Road surrounded by railings and a skip
The swimming baths were paid for and built by GWR workers

As well as a delayed reopening, the Grade II* listed building uncovered multiple challenges that also pushed up costs.

Councillor Marina Strinkovsky who has been leading the project said working on "an enormous historical building that has not had proper maintenance for three decades" has been complicated.

The total funding for the scheme has now risen from £6.5m to £8.6m.

The additional money has been made available through a grant from Historic England, reallocated government Towns Fund money and funding from developers.

Two people in hard hats and high visibility vests look onto the Washing Baths Hall which has been opened up to house the new gym facility
The former Washing Baths Hall has been converted into a new entrance, reception area, gym and fitness suite

"We tried to make sure that as many users of the building have absolute safety, privacy and security," added Ms Strinkovsky.

This includes levelling access to the changing facilities which include large areas for families, those who need access to a hoist and school groups.

The original design of a mixed-sex "changing village" has also been replaced by separate changing facilities for males and females.

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