George Gay Gardens, Queens Drive, Swindon (1)

Image: © Brian Robert Marshall Taken: 27 Mar 2019

This pair of blocks of maisonettes were built in the 1960s. They comprised pairs of two-storey dwellings one on top of the other. They formed part of the local council's housing stock until they were converted into sheltered housing for elderly residents. In 2016 the council decided to demolish these structures. The council said “George Gay Gardens is being demolished for two main reasons. Firstly, it was built 50 years ago and doesn’t meet modern standards for sheltered accommodation, having steep stairs and some homes in a bedsit design, and it’s not energy efficient. Secondly, it will allow us to build new care accommodation and much-needed new council homes to help tackle the waiting list for properties.” Residents have since moved out having been found alternative accommodation. Permission to demolish was granted in 2018 and work looks as though it is about to start fairly soon. The future of the site is unclear at the time of writing.

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