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see us on the net © www.swindonlink.com The Link Magazine • July 1998
Massive expansion to be discussed in public

Government planners say Swindon needs to find space for between 7,000 and 9,000 new homes by the year 2011, in addition to the 10,000 already
planned for North Swindon. Another proposal suggests that a further 15,000 should be built in the long term. Where can they all go?
Swindon Borough Council and Locations suggested for this op- the next Century, but whatever
Wiltshire County Council, are tion are: option is finally chosen will be done HóspitaLflleetingdate
seeking a 'full and open public • To the South of Wootton Bassett with full public consultation and
debate on ways of tackling the • Between South Marston and involvement. That debate should A meeting of Swindon Council's devel-
demand. Five sites havebeen iden- Wanborough, east of Swindon. start now.' opment control committee to consider
tified for possible major expansion. As yet, no dates for public meet- plans for a new hospital has been re-
The first option concentrates on News of Honda's expansion ings have been scheduled in West scheduled for Saturday 11 July, 10am,
development of the existing urban plans on 11 June adds fuel to the or North Swindon. Dates for meet- at Swindon College, Regents Circus
area. Suggested sites are: debate. A thousand new jobs will ings in other areas are: Points Ora against the proposals
be created; more are likely as other
• Swindon's Front Garden' area July will be heard before the debate Ai-
(4,000 - 7,000 houses) firms follow Honda's lead to in- 21st Civic Offices, Swindon queststospeakshould bemade tnwrtt
vest in the town. The benefits of Ing to..M,E:Whltfleld Sw.ndofl Borough
• The area around Kmgsdown such growth are huge but make 23th Wootton Bassett School
crematorium (4,000 - 8,000) the issue of Swindon's need for 28th Dorcan School • Council, Prom lei House, Stetion...
• Between Lydiard Millicent and new homes increasingly urgent. 30th Wameford School,
Highworth
West Swindon (3,000 - 4,000) Working Party chairman Cllr August
The second strategy tries to look Johnson of Wiltshire County Coun- 4th Lawn Junior School Forum for
beyond 2011 by proposing the de- cil and Vice Chairman Peter Owen the future
velopment of a major growth area. from Swindon Borough Council 11th Kingsdown School
This would be similar in size to a state, 'there is no easy answer to 13th Liden Community Centre There is a chance to see two con-
small new town (around 15,000 the problem of how best to ensure 18th Bradon Forest School, Purton trasting aspects of Swindon's ex-
houses). Swindon's continued success into 20th Lyneham Village Hall pansion on Monday 13 July, after
the annual general meeting of the
Swindon - more than a marketing slogan 21st Century Swindon Forum.
Marilyn Beale of the Seven Fields
Bruce Clarke, Managing Director, Third Age Challenge Ltd, a leading, Swindon based, older worker Conservation Group will be con-
project in the UK and Europe, encourages town leaders to take a broad look at what makes a city ducting tours of the Seven Fields
Charles Handy, one of UK's outsider, but likewise believe that Nature Reserve and Penhill Copse.
management gurus wrote in his Swindon is a very special place Alternatively, Swindon Coun-
book, The Hungry Spirit, 'Swindon and in some unique ways already cil's principal planning officer
is not a place to lift the heart, at a city. Martin Trewhella will show peo-
first sight it has no focus, no cathe- The Mayor of Ocotal (Nicara- ple around North Swindon.
dral, no university, no beauty'. gua) who recently visited Swin- Both tours start at 7.30pm and
From that less than flattering don said, "This is a beautiful place, are free of charge.
start he goes onto speak with high a very comfortable city." The 21st Century Forum is a
regard of the town's capacity and Now that is a vision for the fu- voluntary organisation, open to
economic regeneration, of our qui- ture: 'a comfortable city.' anyone with an interest in conser-
etly successful race relations, the How would it be if our leaders vation and the environment. If
ever widening voluntary sector Bruce Clarke began an exercise to help our vari- you are interested in joining the
and of our churches and our These remarks contrast sharply ous communities to construct such group, the annual meeting starts
schools taking on a wider civic with the critics of city status and of a truly compelling vision, not just at 6.30pm in the Haydon Centre.
function. He concludes his com- Swindon itself. Have you ever slogans, not just modern high rise Spokesman Eddie Bedwell said
mentary on Swindon in optimistic noticed how most of the critics offices or big factories and outlet the evening will let people find out
fashion: 'in ways mundane and seem to be local people rather than villages? more about the planning of a new
intriguing, the people of Swindon those who have moved into the Let us also celebrate our small housing development and also the
are learning to live with the hectic town? businesses and communities, our efforts being made to improve
forces of modern life.' I, like Charles Handy, am an athletes and musicians, our lead- wildlife areas.
ing projects and initiatives. The tours will return to the Hay-
So how about someone asks the don Centre by 9.30pm and will be
Fg 1111k M ØPe question: 'How would you like to followed by a social gathering in
see our city grow?'
the bar.
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