St Swithun’s Institute was founded in 1931 as a Registered Charity and managed by a Board of Trustees.

Its original aim was to provide a city centre venue, where working class residents could meet and socialise.  On the ground floor it provided meeting rooms for men and women, a library and male and female changing rooms in support of the Functions Hall and stage on the first floor.  There was also a well appointed kitchen to support hall functions.  The building also provided an office for the Administrator of the Anglican City Centre Parish.

Its main aims and objectives remain today similarly aligned to its original conception.  That is, to provide a safe, adaptable and functional community space which is available to all who wish to stage community events in the city.  These may be either regular meetings or one-off functions.  Our Administrator will be only too pleased to discuss your specific requirements with you.

We are mindful, that although St Swithun’s Institute has historic character built into its structure, there is a need to ensure that we meet every need of the 21st century.  To that end, we have started to further enhance the appeal of the buildings facilities by installing a new fully functional Toilet Suite on the ground floor.  This includes a fully appointed disabled toilet unit.

St Swithun’s Institute was recently referred to as a ‘Village Hall in the City’.  It is a sentiment that we hope to build upon.  It is therefore our future aim to ensure that a close community spirit is built into our future philosophy.