Swindon Health Hydro
Salubritas et Industria: Reimagining a civic landmark for community health and heritage futures
The Health Hydro in Swindon is a nationally significant building – a Grade II* listed Victorian health and wellbeing complex in the heart of a railway town. Built by the GWR for its workers, it is thought to have inspired the foundation of the National Health Service following a visit by Aneurin Bevan. More than 130 years since it first opened its doors, the Hydro is being revitalised as a vibrant, inclusive hub for health, wellbeing, and heritage in the 21st century.
Our work involves the sensitive refurbishment of the building – restoring not only its fabric and architectural features, but also the purpose of the place. Our work will give a contemporary expression to its original ethos and intent, helping to secure its future as an active, accessible, and sustainable public amenity. Its varied spaces, rich with architectural character, are being repaired and revived to serve a new generation of users, while celebrating the legacy of Swindon’s industrial and social history.
We have developed a clear and ambitious long-term vision for the Health Hydro, but its delivery is being approached in carefully planned phases. Restoration is being carried out as funding is progressively secured, ensuring that each stage contributes meaningfully to the overall transformation of this historically significant building. This phased strategy allows for broad community involvement and steady momentum as the long-term vision is gradually realised.
Acting as client representative, project manager, lead consultant, principal designer and lead architect, we are involved in every step of the process, from securing funding through to architectural design and project management.
This project is delivered in partnership with Swindon Borough Council, with support from the UK Government’s Towns Fund, Historic England’s Repair Grants programme and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Alongside fabric repairs and energy upgrades, our approach includes new interpretation, heritage engagement, and community participation – ensuring the building’s transformation is grounded in local needs.
Like our work in Liverpool’s Welsh Streets, this project seeks to balance conservation and innovation. It is about more than restoring a building: it is about creating a civic anchor that supports health, inclusion, and pride in place for the communities of Swindon, now and into the future.