News

Government funding is major boost for town centre regeneration

The announcement by Swindon Borough Council today on its successful bid for more than £3 million pounds of government money to help fund the town's future growth. The money has been earmarked for two projects - funding of a major transport study and improvements to public realm in the town centre.

The project areas for the public realm are Wharf Green and the development of a new public open space known as The Arena, part of the development currently being marketed by The New Swindon Company as The Exchange for which a development partner will be selected in December. The projects entail improving the spaces between the buildings by creating much more user friendly and greener environment with new street furniture such as seating and lighting, improved pavements and creative planting and public art schemes.

The New Swindon Company has been working in close partnership with Swindon Borough Council and designers LDA Design to produce detailed designs for seven key areas within the town centre following the adoption of The Public Realm Strategy earlier this year. The design, along with the pallet of materials will be put on display for the public to see in early January in a town centre location, and will provide the public with the opportunity to see what is being proposed and the timescales around this key project for Swindon town centre regeneration.

With the money from the Growth Points Fund Wharf Green will be transformed into a much more vibrant and user friendly space. Levelling out of the paved area will provide a flexible space for formal and informal events and activities as well as creating an attractive space in its own right on the west side of the town centre.

Wednesday 25th October 2006