05-05-2025
Restored building that is part of Swindon's history up for a prestigious award
The restoration of Swindon's historic Carriage Works has been shortlisted in prestigious regional awards, showcasing excellence in the construction history.
Local residents are being urged to vote in the public voting by Swindon Borough Council, helping the Carriage Works win.
Unit 7B, which hosts the University of Bath and Oxford's Innovation Centre for Applied Sustainable Technologies (iCAST) facility, was nominated earlier this year in the Regeneration and Conservation category of the Construction Excellence South West (CESW) Awards.
The icast unit, a joint endeavour between the two universities that supports private businesses with developing sustainable technologies, is part of a wider regeneration scheme at the Carriage Works site.
A number of units have so far been renovated and occupied, including The Workshed, the Royal Agricultural University's Cultural Heritage Institute and Create Studios.
Mirabelle Stobbs, Property Assets Officer at Swindon Borough Council, said: 'Working on the Carriage Works buildings to bring them into productive modern use is a pleasure and a privilege.
'The digital, tech and creative business community developing here is a great place to work and it is fantastic recognition that the Carriage Works refurbishment is being recognised in these significant awards.'
Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Placemaking and Planning, said: 'It's great to see the Carriage Works getting the recognition it deserves.
'A lot of thought went into to the design of the space, to make it a future-facing workspace that feels modern and convenient, while retaining the building's historic identity.
'The work to regenerate the site is a long process but with four units already occupied and a further four on the way, it's really starting to get a new lease of life.
'While I know we're up against some tough opposition, I'm sure Swindonians will get behind us and give us the best chance of coming home with the award.'
Ross Simmonds, Regional Director for Historic England in the South West, said: 'We're delighted that the Carriage Works in Swindon has been shortlisted for the 2025 Constructing Excellence South West regeneration and conservation award, highlighting the power of heritage-led partnerships to breathe new life into communities.
To vote for the Carriage Works in the Construction Excellence South West Awards, visit
