The Bowl Swindon Masterplan
Rejuvenation of outdoor Art Deco performance Bowl
Client: Central Swindon South Parish Council
Listed Grade II Park and Garden
Status: Ongoing
Location: Town Gardens, Swindon
Masterplan for Grade II listed Town Gardens in South Swindon, including renovation and extension of ‘The Bowl’; an Art Deco style outdoor amphitheatre. Designed by Alfred Ridout, and built in 1936 by Swindon Borough Council, The Bowl has played host to many of the town’s top musical events of the last 65 years and still exists as a completely unique venue for its excellent atmosphere and acoustics. We are assisting the council with renovations to the bowl, and enhancements to its back of house facilities to bring them in line with the requirements for performers in the 21st century.
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The venue sits within the Swindon Town Gardens bowl, which was built as part of a larger project to transform a disused quarry into a public park. The park, known as the Swindon Town Gardens, is at the centre of the Old Town Conservation Area and was officially opened in 1904 and quickly became a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
This park is an excellent example of a late nineteenth century and early twentieth century pleasure garden. In 2000, it was included in the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England. Whilst the Bowl and dome itself is not listed, its art deco original architectural features contribute significantly to the character of the building and the parks & gardens.
The Swindon Town Gardens Bowl remains an important cultural landmark in the town, and it continues to host events throughout the year including a diverse mix of music, theatre, comedy, dance and cinema, and private events, as well as private hire events such as weddings.