A £400,000 proposal to transform part of Brunel's famous Carriage Works into a digital media facility has been submitted to the government.

The new hub, planned for Unit 9 of the Carriage Works on London Street, will provide opportunities for young people and attract top talent to the town, says the chairman of Swindon's Towns Funds Board.

A separate bid for another £100,000 to fund a semi-permanent pop-up market in Wharf Green was also made to the government.

These ventures are part of the Board's aim to drive regeneration that will provide long-term economic growth in Swindon.

Create Studios, founded 35 years ago, has been chosen by Swindon Borough Council to use the space in Carriage Works to grow the next generation of digital media creatives.

The agency generates income and employment opportunities through professional film and digital commissions for clients like Chelsea FC.

And the proposed hub aims to create opportunities for young people through a range of community projects, training, and educational programmes.

This Is Wiltshire: Shahina Johnson with the Create team © Elmar Rubio for Create StudiosShahina Johnson with the Create team © Elmar Rubio for Create Studios

Shahina Johnson, Create Studios' CEO and artistic director said: “The creative industries are the fastest growing sector in the economy, and we want to develop our existing track record to mentor more diverse young people from Swindon into successful careers in this rewarding sector.

“We are also excited to have a home where our inclusion projects with a wide range of communities can put the civic pride back in the heart of Swindon after the challenges of the last two years."

The 5,000sq ft floor provides enough space for digital production and equipment to allow people to develop their skills.

It is estimated the facility will enable 16,000 direct participant engagements a year and 60,000 live audiences for civic exhibitions.

The hub will support 50 additional artists, creatives, and specialists and increased income will be reinvested for community benefit.

Richard Newland, Swindon Towns Fund Board's chairman, said: "The Board was really impressed with the opportunities this community digital media facility will bring to Swindon.

"It will provide opportunities for people looking to develop their careers in the digital industry and provide training opportunities for young people.”

The government has already approved a £5 million bid to bring four other units of the Grade II-listed building back into use.

It's part of the government's overall allocation of £19.5m to Swindon from its Towns Fund.