• Swindon & Wiltshire Property
• Thursday August 25 2022
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Former office building being converted into flats

A former office building near Swindon’s railway station is being converted into flats.

The UK Life Centre, on Station Road boasts over 76,500 sq ft of accommodation over four floors, including an underground car park with 64 spaces.

Constructed in 1985, it was previously occupied by insurance firm Zurich, but has been unoccupied for a number of years.

The accommodation is configured around a large central open courtyard.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing was designed to provide natural daylight to office workers.

The existing office block is being transformed into 170 flats, while an extra two storeys are being added to create another 62 units.

Providing an update on the development this week, Swindon Borough Council said: “This is one of many changes needed to the town centre in order for it to improve.

“More homes in the town centre will have a positive knock-on effect. Extra people living in the area will increase demand for more shops, restaurants and leisure opportunities which, in turn, will make it a more attractive place for businesses to invest.

“Over the coming years, the town centre will see more homes being built as well as office upgrades and the introduction of new experiences, alongside the traditional staples of a high street.”

Earlier this month, Zurich – which is headquartered in the town – warned that office-to-residential conversions could create homes unfit for future climate conditions.