News
'Improve the town's public areas' - that's what members of the public have said is one of the top strategies for regeneration of the centre of Swindon
The New Swindon Company is issuing its latest newsletter which gives details of the feedback from the public consultation about the ideas for the revitalization of the town. The public exhibition, which was held in the Brunel Centre on 4th and 5th July, was attended by over 300 people. Everyone had the opportunity to find out more about the vision for the central area and to discuss their suggestions with members of the project team.
Peter Andrews, chief executive of The New Swindon Company, comments, "The positive support for the ideas has been very encouraging. Some 250 questionnaires were completed - either at the exhibition, on line or from the second newsletter. We have some very clear messages about what is important to people in regenerating the central area and really appreciate the time everyone has taken to give us their feedback."
The broad themes emerging from the public consultation are:
Top 3 strategies for regeneration
- Improved public areas
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Stronger local economy
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Better public transport
The 5 most important factors for revitalizing the town centre
- High quality architecture
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Improved public transport
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Better cultural facilities
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Broader range of shopping
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Employment
The comments received covered a wide variety of issues and these can be categorized into the following themes: public areas, shopping, travel and transport, employment and education, culture, leisure and heritage facilities, housing.
Public areas - more imaginative, good quality architecture; better building and street maintenance; improved signage; water features; more public open spaces, parks and green areas with good security
Shopping experience - better and more varied shops with plazas and markets
Travel/transport - improve public transport; better car parking; improve traffic flows; more cycle facilities
Employment and education - more inward investment and local jobs; facilities for the community; university faculty
Culture, leisure and heritage facilities - for example, new library; improved sports facilities; youth places and play areas; broader range of cafes and restaurants; new cinema
Housing - more housing in the central area with a greater range of accommodation and types of ownership
The feedback is now being used to inform the final Regeneration Framework which is due to be completed later this year. However, that doesn't mean improvement has to wait until the Framework is finalised. Sharing some of the views regarding 'quick wins' to improve public areas resulted in prompt action from Swindon Borough Council who launched the 'Spruce Up Swindon' campaign. This included numerous initiatives including steam cleaning of some town centre streets.
Monday 29th September 2003