News

Demolition work starts on The Exchange

Following the announcement last summer of the major regeneration projects for the town centre of Swindon, demolition work has started on the former Post Office on Fleming Way - part of The Exchange project area.

As outlined in the major projects, The Exchange is proposed for a mix of uses including new offices and shops as well as new homes. Peter Andrews, The New Swindon Company's Chief Executive, commented, "The demolition of this building is an important step in the regeneration of the town centre. It starts to demonstrate that there is real commitment to moving forward. In the next few weeks, we will appoint masterplanners to work up detailed proposals for The Exchange. A key element of their work during the year will be consultation with the people of Swindon on ideas for this area. We are keen to encourage people to get involved in sharing their views on future proposals."

The site was acquired in 2003 by national regeneration agency, English Partnerships, one of the three funding partners for The New Swindon Company. Situated in a prominent position along Fleming Way, the 1-acre site was the former home of Swindon's post office and head sorting office. David Warburton, English Partnerships' Area Director - Southern England, West, said, "It is encouraging for the people of Swindon to see the first signs of progress being made to reinvigorate their town centre. We are working closely with our local partners and the wider community to develop plans that will benefit the town economically, socially and physically. This is an area with great potential and the ongoing public consultation process on the creation of a high-quality development has our full support."

The Exchange is one of seven major projects for the town centre, which resulted from extensive community and professional consultation over the last 18 months. The other projects are:

The Arena - a mix of retail, commercial and recreational facilities to include a central piazza and creating a focal point for the town centre
The Promenade - home to the Council's new cultural facilities and potentially the new site for the University of Bath's Institute of Contemporary and Interdisciplinary Arts
The Hub - expanding Swindon's retail offer
North Star Village - providing a new and vibrant residential area
Swindon Central - bringing the railway corridor to life and offering critical access to the town
The Campus - business area north of the railway

Monday 7th February 2005