Signal Point, Swindon.

[D2022]

So I wonder, Signal Point was meant to be demolished 20 years ago. So why is the hideous eyesore still standing? Its empty and to let. My mum used to work in there for Threadneedle Accounts back a while ago, I've been in there and its an absolute dive, its literally falling down on its own. I've been forever told the top two floors are out of bounds as the floors collapsing in places.

How would it be taken down? Even a controlled explosion would result in either the road and two pubs out the front or worse the station behind and underneath being totally destroyed surely? Brick by boring brick (name the band ) maybe?

 

[SwindonPkwy]

IIRC there were plans for a complete revamp of the station, though I am not sure where the funding was coming from. As well as the demolition of Signal Point, I think there were plans for a car park and entrance from the north side. Which brings me on to the decrepit state of the two existing footbridges. When were they last used?

 

[fgwrich]

So I wonder, Signal Point was meant to be demolished 20 years ago. So why is the hideous eyesore still standing? Its empty and to let. My mum used to work in there for Threadneedle Accounts back a while ago, I've been in there and its an absolute dive, its literally falling down on its own. I've been forever told the top two floors are out of bounds as the floors collapsing in places.

How would it be taken down? Even a controlled explosion would result in either the road and two pubs out the front or worse the station behind and underneath being totally destroyed surely? Brick by boring brick (name the band ) maybe?

Brick by Boring Brick - Paramore - from Brand New Eyes.

As for how it would be demolished - probably as you say, just as many other large buildings have been demolisihed over the past, with large machinery being craned into and onto the roof of the building and taking it down by pieces / levels.

 

[GlosRail]

The covered one is still in use. I used it not too long ago when I parked over that side as the official car park was full.

The other footbridge out in the open was built over 20 years ago and has never been used.

IIRC there were plans for a complete revamp of the station, though I am not sure where the funding was coming from. As well as the demolition of Signal Point, I think the were plans for a car park and entrance from the north side. Which brings me on to the decrepit state of the two existing footbridges. When we're they last used?

 

[D2022]

Brick by Boring Brick - Paramore - from Brand New Eyes.

As for how it would be demolished - probably as you say, just as many other large buildings have been demolisihed over the past, with large machinery being craned into and onto the roof of the building and taking it down by pieces / levels.

Ah someone who knows their music
That's what I suspected, seems its the only way really, but such a long and drawn out prospect. Hopefully one day it will happen. I want one of the BR logos off the top
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IIRC there were plans for a complete revamp of the station, though I am not sure where the funding was coming from. As well as the demolition of Signal Point, I think there were plans for a car park and entrance from the north side. Which brings me on to the decrepit state of the two existing footbridges. When were they last used?

The covered on as mentioned is used every day, its even got its own ticket barrier now. The research councils bridge, whilst shabby is actually in not too bad a nick. But it ends well within the network rail boundary fence since the avoiding line was put back in. I would assume it will be taken down one day, its not compliant with health and safety regulations anymore is what I've heard.

 

[mr_moo]

The covered one is indeed in use - I walk across it most work days. It's owned by the research councils, which is the large building opposite, and it technically purely for their use, although this rule is never enforced. This is why it's closed overnight and at weekends and also on some other random days when the research councils offices is closed, such as tomorrow.

The other footbridge was built to serve a new car-park on the north side, where the big area of trees is. The bridge was built in advance of the rest but the car park itself was never built. It's now called "The bridge to no-where" as it does indeed go no-where! It's actually shown on the official track/signalling layout plans as "the bridge to no-where".

How do I know this? I live in Swindon, work for Network Rail and my wife works for the research councils!

 

[D2022]

The work is underway already to revamp the forecourt, its nearly finished, its meant to be less biased towards taxis and buses, we now have a giant dice for a clock and some trees, and a few new paving slabs.....

Of note is the fact Network Rail actually want to MOVE THE ENTIRE STATION further up the line!!! I know little but I have heard one of the places is Rushey Platt, where the GWR and the M&SWJR had their junction back in the ole days. Seems odd though, as the line to Gloucester branchs off way before that point, and what would happen to the listed island station building currently used as the main building for the station.............

 

[Tiny Tim]

Of note is the fact Network Rail actually want to MOVE THE ENTIRE STATION further up the line!!! I know little but I have heard one of the places is Rushey Platt, where the GWR and the M&SWJR had their junction back in the ole days. Seems odd though, as the line to Gloucester branchs off way before that point, and what would happen to the listed island station building currently used as the main building for the station.............

That's very strange. Whilst Rushey Platt has better road access, particularly from out of town, it's well away from the present station's central position. And how would trains to Gloucester fare? A new curve would slice through The Engine House, a listed building presently housing English Heritage. Interesting. Also, as Royal Wootten Bassett is proposed for re-opening, is there any point in moving Swindon station westwards?

Are there any other proposed new sites for Swindon station?

I'm glad someone else has mentioned the Midland & South Western Junction Railway on this forum. It's easy to forget that two railways ran through Swindon

 

[SwindonPkwy]

I'm glad someone else has mentioned the Midland & South Western Junction Railway on this forum. It's easy to forget that two railways ran through Swindon

.....and that Swindon had two stations. What is now Swindon station, was previously Swindon Junction.

 

[Tiny Tim]

I've seen a couple of adverts marketing Signal Point for rent. No mention of it's derelict state, but that's estate agents for you. Is it occupied presently or completely vacant?

 

[KarimVirani]

Signal Point is a big old building, but it definitely is not derelict! Currently almost half of it is occupied by the Bank of New York!

The property is a key piece of real estate at the entrance to Swindon, so fortunately the new owners are going to be spending some money and improving the property in order to attract some new tenants and interest in the site. Fingers crossed Network Rail and the planning authorities recognise the value of the position and are accommodating to any refresh or alternative use.

The agents do always put a positive spin things but it would be hard to argue that offices right on top of the mainline station would not be great for any business with staff and visitors coming and going. The owners will have small suites as well to accommodate SMEs in the building as well as larger users.

 

[D2022]

Signal Point is a big old building, but it definitely is not derelict! Currently almost half of it is occupied by the Bank of New York!

The property is a key piece of real estate at the entrance to Swindon, so fortunately the new owners are going to be spending some money and improving the property in order to attract some new tenants and interest in the site. Fingers crossed Network Rail and the planning authorities recognise the value of the position and are accommodating to any refresh or alternative use.

The agents do always put a positive spin things but it would be hard to argue that offices right on top of the mainline station would not be great for any business with staff and visitors coming and going. The owners will have small suites as well to accommodate SMEs in the building as well as larger users.

Bank of New York aren't in there anymore as far as I know, I've got
everal sources who confirmed the structure is empty above the third floor.
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I've seen a couple of adverts marketing Signal Point for rent. No mention of it's derelict state, but that's estate agents for you. Is it occupied presently or completely vacant?

Vcars, Pumpkin, Costa and a few other companies have places in the floor above the station but that's it as of around three weeks ago when it was urbexed.
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That's very strange. Whilst Rushey Platt has better road access, particularly from out of town, it's well away from the present station's central position. And how would trains to Gloucester fare? A new curve would slice through The Engine House, a listed building presently housing English Heritage. Interesting. Also, as Royal Wootten Bassett is proposed for re-opening, is there any point in moving Swindon station westwards?

Are there any other proposed new sites for Swindon station?

I'm glad someone else has mentioned the Midland & South Western Junction Railway on this forum. It's easy to forget that two railways ran through Swindon

Several, one is in South Marston near the Honda spur. Simply moving it to the other side of the line where it already is, providing better access and parking whilst keeping the town side active would mean best of both worlds. Also recently heard they might move it onto the raised car park area, meaning the Gloucs line could be kept. But pointless as it wouldn't gain anything .

 

[BestWestern]

Vcars, Pumpkin, Costa and a few other companies have places in the floor above the station but that's it as of around three weeks ago when it was urbexed.

Interesting. Is that on any of the sites yet? Just had a quick search on 28DL but no joy. Cheers.

 

[D2022]

Interesting. Is that on any of the sites yet? Just had a quick search on 28DL but no joy. Cheers.

I would doubt it as yet, it wasn't a group meet or anything and was unplanned, the doors just happened to be open at the right time. I know a few people are a bit sketchy about. Saying too much about it as BTP are apparently going mental due to the railway being right underneath. I wasn't there personally, and no interest in going in, I will make a suggestion they file a report when I see anyone who has photos. I've been in many times for work and can safely say it's the most dismal excuse for a workplace I've ever seen.

 

[BestWestern]

I would doubt it as yet, it wasn't a group meet or anything and was unplanned, the doors just happened to be open at the right time. I know a few people are a bit sketchy about. Saying too much about it as BTP are apparently going mental due to the railway being right underneath. I wasn't there personally, and no interest in going in, I will make a suggestion they file a report when I see anyone who has photos. I've been in many times for work and can safely say it's the most dismal excuse for a workplace I've ever seen.

I can imagine it's pretty grim! I can't really see why BTP would have a major issue, unless access was made from railway property itself? If the place is an operating office block then it's hardly a secure environment?!

 

[MarkyT]

I've been in many times for work and can safely say it's the most dismal excuse for a workplace I've ever seen.

I worked in there briefly for a railway consultancy in the mid/late 90s. The suite we were in was clean and bright then but had no air-con. I had a view of the tracks from my desk though, right next to the old down goods loop, since removed to make way for the down main platform. Ah memories of 37s on oil trains, 58s on the Avon binliner . . .

 

[D1009]

I worked there in the early 1990s. I moved from 125 House, and for me the lack of air con was a plus point as in so many other offices the so called air con never worked properly and you couldn't open the windows. Signal Point then was a very pleasant place to work, plenty of natural daylight and a good view !
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Of note is the fact Network Rail actually want to MOVE THE ENTIRE STATION further up the line!!! .

Do you have a source for this ?

 

[D2022]

I worked there in the early 1990s. I moved from 125 House, and for me the lack of air con was a plus point as in so many other offices the so called air con never worked properly and you couldn't open the windows. Signal Point then was a very pleasant place to work, plenty of natural daylight and a good view !
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


Do you have a source for this ?

Yes a friend way back worked for NR, probably still does. They heard through the grapevine so to speak but from way up the vine. So seems credible, plus I seem to recall a comments style discussion in the local paper about it. That would have been Swindon Advertiser.

 

[MarkyT]

Regarding moving the station, I really can't see the point as the existing station is almost perfectly situated a few minutes walk from the town centre and the bus station, surrounded by large areas of ex railway land used for car parking, and within easy reach of the former railway works developments and other attractions and employment centres to the north of the railway. However a major rebuild of the facilities in situ could be linked to commercial redevelopment of the Signal Point block and adjacent car park areas. The existing forecourt is small and the access between main entrance and the various car parks is poor, involving a long walk from the furthest extents. Much of the town side car park could be given up for development to help pay for a multi-storey structure closer to a new entrance.