News
An exciting new cultural centre will be created in Swindon - on the site of the current central police station. Plans to put the heart back into the town with bigger and better facilities for residents and visitors alike have moved a step closer following the sale of the police station to the South West of England Regional Development Agency.
The Agency bought the station on behalf of The New Swindon Company, of which it is a key funder. Contributing to the regeneration of Swindon is part of the Agency's commitment to improving the economy of the South West.
The station is on Fleming Way, which forms part of The Promenade project area. The Promenade area is earmarked as a new cultural centre for Swindon and is a potential location for a diverse mix of leisure activities, cafes, restaurants and shops, as well as a new library and the University of Bath's Institute of Contemporary Interdisciplinary Arts. Some 500 new homes could complement the broad cultural and leisure mix. The Promenade is opposite another important regeneration site, The Exchange, which will provide improved office, leisure and retail facilities for the town.
Philip Watkins the South West RDA's Head of Operations for Wiltshire and Swindon commented, "The purchase of the police station is an exciting step forward in the regeneration of Swindon. New cultural and leisure activities will boost the economy of the area as well as providing the people of Swindon with improved amenities. We are pleased to be playing an active role in supporting The New Swindon Company as a funding partner and in realising the full potential of the town centre."
The South West RDA has leased the station back to the police authority until August this year when they will move into their new site in Stratton St Margaret. Brian Ford, Chairman of the Finance Committee of Wiltshire Police Authority and a Swindon Borough Councillor said: "I am delighted that our sale of the old headquarters will contribute to the regeneration of the Town Centre. We will maintain a strong police presence in the Town Centre, opening our new policing point at Linden Court when we vacate the old site."
Peter Andrews, Chief Executive of The New Swindon Company said, "The purchase of this key site at is very positive progress in the town's regeneration. We can move forward in the coming months on to the next phase of appointing masterplanners for this project area. An important part of the masterplanning work will be to encourage public input of ideas for this project area.
The Promenade is one of seven major projects for the town centre, which resulted from extensive community and professional consultation over the last 18 months.
Press release issued by South West of England Regional Development Agency - for further information contact Alison Hollinshead, South West RDA Press Office 0117 933 0215
Wednesday 18th May 2005