Part of the Link Centre, Swindon

Image: © Jeremy Bolwell Taken: 6 Nov 2012

As Swindon expanded rapidly in the 1970's and 1980's this was the sort of building that the town wanted; a big architectural statement, no doubt nominated and maybe even winning design awards and plaudits but it has, I understand, been plagued with some of the issues that Councils dread - Legionella in the water supply system, floods, electrical failures related to floods and an on-going maintenance and building expenses bill far beyond what anyone envisaged when beaming at architects plans in halcyon days long ago. Plus, to a visitor at least, it isn't immediately obvious where the entrance door is. I virtually circumnavigated it before finding it. It's a leisure centre (housing 'the biggest indoor climbing-wall in Wiltshire'), ice rink (home to Swindon Wildcats ice hockey team), library (scarlet carpet tiles!) and community centre. Yes, it does look like a waste incinerating facility, dockside warehouse or a bus depot maybe.

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