Local Developer sets out plan for stunning re-development of Apsley House

A local Swindon developer who wants to purchase and restore Aspley House into commercial use, is sharing plans with the local community to build support. In January, Swindon Borough Council will then choose their preferred buyer since they can no longer afford to maintain the site.

The developer in question has a particular interest in developing Old Town as a born and bred Swindonian. Arthur Dallimer is a property developer who has completed 20+ projects in Swindon, Wiltshire and Bristol.  He is currently working on plans for the new development on Devizes Road and land off Victoria Road. 

Mr Dallimer has now set his sights on purchasing Apsley House to build an iconic commercial development for the area.  The plans outline full commercial use for the site, including five refurbished retail units, a large restaurant, cafe, and co-work office space. Other potential buyers will likely include property developers who want to turn the historic building into flats, or an HMO.

South Swindon Parish Council attempted to purchase the building as it is recognised as an “Asset of Community Value”, and maintain a mix of community and commercial use.  Their recent report to their full Council outlines that the cost for purchase and refurbishment is too high for the Parish Council.  Mr Dallimer, the developer behind Aspley Corner, agrees it needs to be maintained as a community asset. 

“As a child I visited Apsley House when it was the museum and art gallery, and it has always held a special place in my heart.  When I heard the Borough Council could no longer afford to maintain it, and the Parish Council couldn’t afford to buy it, I began creating a commercial plan to restore the beautiful main building and enhance the 60s extension to become a successful commercial development.  If I am successful in purchasing the property I want to choose a set of independent businesses to operate out of Apsley Corner, to help grow Old Town business and the local community. ” 

Developers interested in the site have until the 5th January to put in their offer and development plans to Swindon Borough Council.  There are said to be a number of interested parties including residential property developers.  Arthur feels this is the wrong solution, “although the Borough Council want to raise as much money as possible from the sale of the property, that should not be the only consideration.  Apsley House is recognised as an asset of community value, and my development solution gives a significant opportunity for multiple operators to enhance the business mix in Old Town and have a positive economic benefit to the whole area."

Apsley House was built between 1830 and 1840 and used as a residence until being utilised by the Borough as a museum and art gallery. As well as being a Grade II listed building it is housed within a Conservation Area and has a 1960s’ side and rear extension, which was formerly used as gallery space accessed through Apsley House.

As part of the Apsley Corner proposals, the extension will see a radical upgrade as the concrete facade is replaced with glass front and wooden slats which would look into the main restaurant. 

Arthur has sought support from The Old Town Business Association, which fully backs his plans.  

“We fully support the Apsley Corner development for Old Town” said Kris Talikowski, Vice-chair of The Old Town Business Association. "We need more commercial units in Old Town as demand constantly exceeds supply.  The development Arthur is proposing is clearly high value and a significantly iconic development that has a great mix of retail, food and beverage, and co-work space which is exciting for potential operators. This development could become a landmark site whilst restoring a beautiful Old Town heritage asset into commercial use.”

The challenge for the developer will be how Swindon Borough Council decide upon and choose their preferred developer. The cabinet at the Borough are trying to fill a budget deficit of £36m and so may try and lean their decision to the highest bidder.  The purpose of sharing the Apsley Corner development with the public is to gain public support and persuade the Borough of the merits of a mixed-use commercial development that has significant community value. 

The developer is now asking the public to review his plans and support his proposal. 

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