Swindon Entrepreneur Arthur Dallimer to Revitalise Historic Apsley House as New Restaurant, Retail, and Co-working Hub

Swindon, UK – Entrepreneur Arthur Dallimer has received the green light from Swindon Borough Council to transform the former Apsley House Museum and Art Gallery into a vibrant community hub, complete with a flagship restaurant, retail space, and co-working offices.

Dallimer, 29, who began his career in real estate at just 18, expressed his enthusiasm for restoring the iconic Bath Road building, which has remained empty for three years. “It’s been quite a journey to get to this stage, and I’m thrilled that we can finally bring this historic building back to life and make it a thriving part of Swindon’s Old Town,” he said.

Under his vision, the ground floor will host a 90-cover restaurant and a dedicated retail unit within the main house, while the upper level will be transformed into a co-working area aimed at local businesses and freelancers. The project also includes upgrades to retail units on Victoria Road, further contributing to the revitalization of the area.

Swindon Borough Council Leader, Councillor Jim Robbins, praised the project, saying, “I am absolutely delighted that Arthur can now bring forward his exciting plans for Apsley House and rejuvenate one of Old Town’s most significant and recognisable buildings. Developments like this align perfectly with our mission to Build a Better Swindon and transform a Grade II listed building into a modern, contemporary space.”

Originally built around 1830, Apsley House served as the residence of surgeon Charles James Fox Axford and later housed the Toomer family, a prominent local coal merchant family, for over five decades. In the 1960s, a modern extension was added to support its role as a museum and gallery, though operations ceased during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the building’s need for extensive repairs and accessibility improvements. A new museum and art gallery now resides in Swindon’s Civic Offices, offering expanded display space, improved facilities, and designated areas for school visits.

Dallimer, the founder of William Arthur Property, is committed to preserving and promoting Swindon’s heritage. “I want to work collaboratively with Swindon Council on this project, as I’m passionate about Swindon and the need to protect and embrace our architectural and heritage assets,” he shared. “This project is about creating something that benefits the community and changes perceptions of our town.”

For more information on Arthur Dallimer’s projects, visit William Arthur Property.