New hope for Locarno

9:36am Tuesday 27th December 2005

AFTER years of talk Old Town's famous Locarno finally looks set for a makeover.

Gael Mackenzie, who owns the building, and Swindon Council, which owns the adjacent car park, are poised to put pen to paper at some time early in the New Year.

Developers Countryside Properties are said to be behind the grand scheme, which could include flats and a restaurant.

The deal thought to be worth several million pounds rests on the three parties agreeing a plan of action.

Council leader Mike Bawden (Con, Old Town and Lawn) said legal paperwork could be signed within days.

But he warned several previous attempts at a deal had failed at the 11th hour.

"I have my fingers crossed," said Coun Bawden.

"I am hoping and praying that a deal can finally be struck between Swindon Council, Mr Mackenzie and Countryside Properties.

"But I can't rest easy until pen touches paper."

The Locarno, once a popular ballroom, has been derelict since the late 1970s.

Mr Mackenzie, who owns the nearby Mackenzies bar, in Wood Street, has been trying for several years to get his redevelopment plans off the ground.

In 2000, a proposal for a glitzy nightclub were shelved when town magistrates refused to grant a liquor licence.

And more recently in May 2003, bold plans for an Italian-style piazza and apartment blocks were announced.

The consortium is likely to consider a scaled-down model of these plans, according to Coun Bawden.

He said the development would add to Old Town's prestigious status.

"There has been an enormous amount of development in Old Town over the past few years," he said.

"We have a new nightclub and several new flats have appeared.

"If this development can go ahead I shall be absolutely delighted."

Keith Hurford, the regional land director for Countryside Properties, said: "We're still in discussions with the landowners, Gael Mackenzie and Swindon Council, as we move towards formalising the development agreement.

"We hope that there will be further positive progress in the New Year."

If a deal is struck, the developers will draw up plans, which will eventually be submitted to the council.

Councillors will decide whether or not to grant planning permission after public consultation.

Looking back

• 1852: The town hall is built in Old Town
• 1886: The Corn Exchange opens
• 1909: The Corn Exchange becomes a roller skating rink
• 1920s: The site is transformed into The Rink Cinema
• 1940s and 1950s: The Locarno ballroom is at the height of its popularity. Later becomes a bingo hall
• Late 1970s: The Locarno closes
• Late 1990s: Gael Mackenzie buys the Locarno and town hall building
• 2000: Plans to transform the site into a nightclub fail after magistrates refuse to grant a liquor licence
• May 2003: Plans are displayed in Swindon for an Italianesque piazza with apartment blocks, a restaurant and a cafe bar
• May 18 2003: The building partially collapses after major fire
• May 26 2004: The building is hit by second major blaze.