The World's Most Extravagant Deserted Domains
7. The Institute of Mechanics
Place: Swindon, Wiltshire, England
Period: 1855
Expense: $34.28 million
The story of the Swindon Mechanics' Institute is one of initial promise followed by heartache. Established in 1855, this Grade II listed building was located in a railway village conservation area and served as a vital resource for the employees of the nearby Swindon Railway Works.
The Institute aimed to promote education and self-improvement among the railway workers, providing access to lectures, reading rooms, and various educational resources. However, over the years, it faced numerous challenges that ultimately led to its decline.
In the 20th century, the Swindon Mechanics' Institute was converted into a theater, but it ultimately closed its doors in 1986. Since then, the once-promising building has been left abandoned, falling into a state of severe deterioration.
In 2002, a firm named Forefront acquired the Mechanics' Institute with hopes of revitalizing it. However, the company disbanded in 2012, largely due to the enormous $34.28 million debt incurred during attempts to repair and restore the structure.
