News

Regenerating the Heart of Swindon

The people of Swindon are being given the opportunity to have their say on ideas for the regeneration of the centre of Swindon over the coming months.

The New Swindon Company (Swindon's urban regeneration company), which has been set up as part of a new government initiative to regenerate key town centres, will be rolling out a broad consultation programme over the coming weeks which will involve interested groups such as local residents, employers, community groups, education and cultural organizations.

Newsletters are also being sent out to those in and immediately surrounding the central area and will be available in libraries throughout the Borough in early June. The programme will culminate in a public exhibition in the Brunel Centre on Friday 4 July from 10.00am to 5.30pm and Saturday 5 July from 9.30am to 4pm.

The company has been working through a detailed economic and market analysis of the town as well as a review of consultation studies carried out by Shillam & Smith in 2000 and 2001.

"The detailed analysis carried out by our masterplanners, Arup, combined with all the feedback from earlier consultation work, has helped to draw up ideas and options for the future of the central area. Successful regeneration doesn't happen without the involvement of the community so we would really like to encourage as much participation as possible in giving us feedback on the ideas that are emerging," said Peter Andrews, chief executive of The New Swindon Company.

"Ideas for the future of the central area are aimed at making sure that the heart is put back into the town and that it re-establishes its position a regional leader - and a great place to be. The current phase of the company's work is about the broad vision for the central area. Details of precisely what goes where and when will come later."

The proposals under consideration will include, for example:

new transport linkages
more town centre living
better shopping
business space
Better cultural, leisure and recreational facilities
higher education facilities better open spaces

"We welcome all views about the regeneration of central Swindon and hope that people will take the opportunity to come along to the exhibition in July. Our website will have information about the consultation work and is also an ideal route for people to give us their feedback and comments," suggested Peter Andrews.

Thursday 22nd May 2003