Behind The Scenes On The RWB Auctions Building Site Before Our Opening

Snippet: Behind the scenes in our new salerooms as we get ready for our grand opening.

We will soon be getting the keys to our flagship salerooms in Royal Wootton Bassett.

As we get closer to opening we’re giving you an exciting sneak peek behind the scenes of the building project as well as what you can expect from RWB Auctions.

History Of 144 High Street

RWB Auctions occupies the site of the historic Royal Oak Hotel which was once host to the annual Cattle Market Dinner, the Wootton Bassett Ball, boxing matches and local Council meetings. The building was renovated using red brick in 1864, introducing decorative pillars and a fourth story, making it one of the tallest buildings in town.

Today, only part of the grand Victorian hotel survives and that is currently occupied by Old Bank Antiques. The rest of the building was demolished in the 1970s to make way for a supermarket. The most recent occupants were Co-Op before the land was sold in 2019.

The Royal Oak Hotel c1902: RWB Auctions occupies the site of Wootton Bassett’s ‘premier inn’.

Renovating RWB Auctions

We began work in the old supermarket in November 2022 with help from a loan from the Swindon & Wiltshire Local Economic Partnership.

Co-op had been occupying only a small part of the site but the team at Cirencester-based Pier Architecture were able to carve out a 10,000-square-foot space without significantly changing the original footprint.

The building contract was awarded to RJ Leighfield who stripped the interior to entirely reconfigure the floor plan upstairs and downstairs.

The front of the RWB Auctions building still contained produce racks when we got the keys.

The front of the building boarded up with the Town Hall in the foreground.

The View Gallery before the windows were installed.

Crittall window installation around the front door and the entrance to Quercus Bistro.

Flooring is installed on the private upstairs roof terrace next to the gallery.

One of tour two sale rooms: a work in progress.

The stunning view from the upper roof, shortly after solar panels were installed.

Owner Jon White (left) and Managing Director Steve Bucknell (right) ignore the view during our recent topping out ceremony.

Premium Auction Experience In Wiltshire

Right now, visitors still need to wear a hard hat and hi-vis jacket to enter RWB Auctions.

In the near future, however, our team will be moving into spacious, modern offices, designed to provide the same look and feel as a top-notch London auction house.

When complete, the building will reflect the local architecture of Royal Wootton Bassett’s High Street, taking inspiration from the old Royal Oak Hotel whose site we occupy. Our glass-walled rooftop exhibition space, The View Gallery, provides a contemporary touch with commanding views across the Wiltshire countryside towards the mysterious Broadtown White Horse.

Our two air-conditioned salerooms offer comfortable seating and at Quercus Bistro on the ground floor you’ll be able to enjoy a seasonal, French-inspired evening menu, complemented by cocktails and an extensive wine list. During the summer months, all our energy needs are supplied by a bank of solar panels which complement wider eco-conscious additions.

Our Managing Director, Steve Bucknell, has closely managed the building project. When we asked him about his aspirations for the site he said:

In designing the new auction house our aim was to create a facility that was not only functionally ideal but would also present members of the public with a fantastic space to spend quality pleasure time. Combine this with our low fees and customer friendly service such as extended collection times and we feel we will appeal to dealers, collectors and the general public.

Key Auction House Facts And Figures

• • Our two salerooms can accommodate 100 guests and more than 800 auction lots
  • Quercus Bistro - our onsite eatery - can seat 40 guests for brunch, lunch and dinner
  • Our car park boasts 27 parking spaces with four eclectic vehicle charging points
• We are located in the centre of Royal Wootton Bassett, just off J16 of the M4
• Enjoy a £10 lotting fee, 10% Seller’s Commission and 10% Buyer’s Premium