In 1943, Swindon's first public library was opened, in rooms let by McIlroys, the department store. The limited facilities included a small hall - and thus the Swindon Gramophone Society, the Arts Discussion Group, the Play Reading Group and the Literacy and Debating Society became ancillary societies to the library.

In 1944, The Swindon and District Amateur Theatre Guild was formed. Facilities were limited - the room held 30 - 50 people at a squeeze, and the stage was a 2.44m (8ft) wide dais running along one wall.

After the war, the council's library committee proposed the creation of an Arts Centre in the Regent Street Methodist Hall. Most of 1946 was spent battling with the government ministry that provided permits to allow work to go ahead. The town clerk triumphed, and the Arts Centre opened later that year.

New premises

When the lease ended in 1955, the council looked for new premises, finally selecting the Bradford Hall in Old Town. This public hall had been built in 1900 on an area originally recorded as an orchard in 1774. By 1891, four cottages, one shop, one house and stables are listed on the site! In 1892, it was owned by one James Edward Goddard Bradford, a local solicitor, who later moved to Bath before the hall was built.

Following the First World War, the hall was sold to a dancing master from Whitely Bay, who remained the owner until 1945. It was then sold to the council, and dances continued to be held until the end of 1955. At a cost of approximately £5,000, the hall was converted to a theatre, officially opening in September 1956.

The Arts Centre continued to be used for mainly amateur and local performances and meetings. In 1994 it was decided to expand its scope by developing a stronger professional programme, resulting in the wide mix of events and activities you see today.