The historic venue in Emlyn Square welcomed visitors on Saturday afternoon, with supporters, volunteers and community representatives gathering to mark the occasion.
The project has been led by Swindon Heritage Preservation, which has overseen extensive work to bring the building back into use.
Aaron Marchant, vice-chair of the organisation, described the reopening as a landmark moment.
“We’re here at the grand reopening of one of Swindon’s original public houses after an extensive period of restoration,” he said. “We’re so proud to see the results, and we’re welcoming everyone here today.”
Work has so far focused on restoring the ground floor, with further phases planned for the upper levels.
“It’s taken probably about two and a bit years how we’ve got so far,” he said. “The ground floor is now completed. We’ve still got the first and the second floors to go, but the progress is just astounding.”
While long known as a traditional pub, the Cricketers is set to take on a broader role as a community venue.
“It will be an information hub… for private and community hire,” Marchant said. “Essentially just an anchor part of the community.”
Long-time supporter Royston Cartwright said the building has always played an important part locally and should continue to do so.
“This pub was always a community pub, we now want it to be a community centre,” he said. “The most important thing about the buildings of Swindon… is that they’re used. These buildings have got to be preserved.”
Future ambitions include educational visits, creative space for artists and potential accommodation on the upper floors, alongside private hire and events.
Chair Bob Wright said the project had relied on a wide range of support.
“We’ve been very fortunate,” he said. “Historic England, the lottery fund, the council… and local businesses have all helped us get to this day.”
He added: “It shows you what can be done when you invest in people who care about where they live… and about our future in this town.”
Former MP Robert Buckland also attended the reopening and described the building as a key part of wider regeneration plans.
“This building is not just an empty heritage asset… it’s a living, breathing place for the community,” he said. “This is the end of the beginning.”
The reopening comes amid continued discussions about the future of other historic sites in the area, including the Mechanics’ Institute.
Local historian Angela Atkinson said the transformation was positive for the town.
“It’s just wonderful to see new life being breathed back into it after it being derelict for such a long time,” she said.
Further restoration work is expected to continue as the building begins its next chapter as a community-focused space in the heart of Railway Village.
