News
Capita Architecture has been appointed as Masterplanners for The Promenade in Swindon, an 80,000 sq m town centre development, running from the courts upto the old college site, that will feature new cultural and education facilities.
A team from Capita Architecture's London office - led by Design Director and Head of the London office Andrew Pryke - will be undertaking a feasibility study on behalf of the local regeneration organisation The New Swindon Company.
The Promenade is one of Swindon's key regeneration areas and the aim is to develop it as a cultural centre, creating opportunities for arts and education that will benefit the whole community. Andrew says: "The purpose of the study is to define how the area can be developed to the best of its potential. We will be looking at three individual elements of the development - an economic analysis, an architectural analysis, and a balancing of the two. The key will be to assess viable options for creating new facilities while integrating the development with the existing civic, retail and commercial parts of the town centre."
Initial plans for the area include a new library, theatre complex, museum and art gallery to create a brand new cultural centre. The study will look at providing a 2000-seat theatre complex with bars and restaurants, plus a multi-purpose external civic space and adjacent commercial and residential facilities to make Swindon a key cultural centre on the M4 corridor. There is even potential for some 500 homes with a diverse mix of high quality accommodation
Peter James, Chief Executive of The New Swindon Company, commented: "Our vision is to develop The Promenade into an arts and cultural quarter that will include facilities for activities such as theatre, dance and music, arts exhibitions and creative work space. The study with Capita Architecture is all about deciding what we can do and what are the best options - I look forward to seeing the results."
Cllr Phil Young, Swindon Borough Council Cabinet member for Economic Development and Regeneration, said: "We are very keen to ensure that cultural development is at the heart of the regeneration of the town, and with Capita on board working alongside Swindon Borough Council and Swindon Cultural Partnership, we are very excited at realising the potential for Swindon."
Capita Architecture will lead the project along side The New Swindon Company with backing from Swindon Borough Council, South West Regional Development Agency and the Swindon Cultural Partnership. The study is due to be completed by the end of February 2008.
Knight Frank Bristol are the commercial agents for the project, with Rider Levitt acting as cost consultants. Theatre Projects are in the process of developing a business strategy for a new theatre in The Promenade.
Wednesday 16th January 2008