Students looking forward to new sixth form centre at Lydiard House

Following the decision by Swindon Borough Council's Planning Committee last week (10 March), Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Planning, met students and leaders from Lydiard Park Academy at Lydiard House to share the good news and discuss the next stages of the project.

The sixth form plans will see £700,000 invested in the Palladian house with the first-floor rooms of the Grade I listed building sensitively upgraded and refurbished to create high-quality teaching and learning spaces for around 120 students and staff.

The state rooms on the ground floor will remain open to the public, ensuring the house continues to be enjoyed as one of Swindon’s most cherished heritage sites.

The investment builds on the long-standing relationship between Lydiard Park Academy, St Mary’s Church, Lydiard House Museum, and the wider Lydiard estate.

The project will help strengthen the long-term sustainability of Lydiard House by increasing its use, supporting heritage learning opportunities, and creating new income streams to offset existing subsidies.

With planning permission now secured, the Council will progress the preparatory work over the coming months and proceed with the necessary refurbishment work. Once complete, sixth form students are expected to begin learning at Lydiard House during the next academic year, gaining access to a unique and inspiring educational environment rooted in local history.

Cllr Strinkovsky, said: “It was a pleasure to meet the students at Lydiard House and share the news that the Planning Committee has approved this exciting project.

“Their enthusiasm for the building and its history is humbling. When we think how rare it is for young people from state schools to benefit from the wealth of heritage properties in the UK, it really brings home the pride and sense of opportunity future generations of young Swindonians will have.

“I’m delighted that we can now move forward and begin the work needed to bring these incredible spaces back to life for educational use. I look forward to welcoming students into their new learning environment during the next academic year and seeing them thrive in a place that connects Swindon’s past with its future.”

Gary Pearson, Principal at Lydiard Park Academy, said: “There is a real buzz in the sixth form amongst both the students and teachers who cannot wait for Lydiard House to become part of their learning environment.

“When you take the students around the House you can see how inspired and proud they are to be part of a new chapter in the House’s history. We are very thankful to everyone who has helped us get to this point and we aim to keep everyone updated on the refurbishment as it progresses. It will truly be a unique experience for all those who get to study there.”

The Council first purchased Lydiard House in 1943 with a vision for it to serve education, youth services, recreation, and community use. The new partnership continues that original purpose, while helping to secure the long-term future of one of the region’s most significant heritage assets.