Page 4 - link magazine

The Link Magazine • November 2000
Swindon centre to be transformed by visionary plan
Consultants have come up with a long term plan to reshape the heart of Swindon to provide a 'world class'
environment for work, learning and leisure.
Commissioned by Swindon and Princes Street which bor-
Council to contribute to a stra- der the main shopping area
SOLUTION tegic plan for development over would be rebuilt as boul-
the next 30 years, urban plan- evards, with kerbside park-
Maintenance free
ning consultants and architects ing, removal of the central bar-
UPVC fascia boards Shillam and Smith propose a riers, and safe pedestrian
cladding & guttering framework to improve shop- crossing points.
ping, cultural activities, educa- The town centre will also
Expertly fitted at DIY prices
tion and opportunities for work become more of a residential
FREE SURVEY and housing in the town cen- area with apartments and
tre. housing being introduced as
NO DEPOSITt
The project identifies a series part of the commercial
of zones which will be linked schemes. The consultants be-
Work it out for yourself
by an ultra light rapid transit lieve another 20,000 people
20' fascia board fitted £ 60 tram system (ULRT) from Re- could live in the central area
20' fascia & gutter fitted £135 gent Circus to North Star. which would create a more
20' fascia, soffit & gutter £205 At the southern end of the dynamic, alive atmosphere.
20' fascia & soffit £130 scheme, the new Regent Square They propose new roads
(prices correct at time of publication)
close to the Wyvern Theatre around Old Town so that it
and the Town Hall, would be- can be developed as a pedes-
come a focus for entertainment trian friendly, professional
and cultural events with a services and niche retail area.
G multi-screen cinema, a gallery The ULRT would extend into
7 L5 L5
for Swindon's acclaimed col- Council leader Sue Bates with Wendy Old Town and could provide
lection of 20th Century art, ca- Shillam of consultants Shillam and Smith a rapid public transport sys-
fes and a long awaited perma- tem from residential areas in
nent library. A large concert hall is The consultants propose cre at- West and North Swindon.
For a free quote not considered a priority. a new combined rail and bus Council leader Sue Bates said,
Regent Street including the station at Station Square, to t he "these are extremely exciting pro-
Brunel Centre and the Parade west of the existing sites, to pr °- posals which contribute greatly to
would remain primarily a retail vide a transport interchange f or our vision of Swindon's develop-
area, but developments to include the ULRT. ment over the next 30 years.
e-mail: [email protected] At the northern end of the red e-
new side alleyways and shopping "I believe many of the projects
courts would be encouraged. velopment area, reached by a can be achieved within a few years
number of new, well designed to n- such as the university and the relo-
nels under the railway line, a cation of Swindon College. I would
Learning Park is to be created at like to see the tram system put in
North Star. The Science Resear ch early to give impetus to the overall
have long establish ed plan. By providing an easy to use
headquarters there, Swindon C 1- rapid transit system, people will
lege has plans to relocate all iis be encouraged not to bring cars
operations and the University
of into the town centre, thereby cre-
Bath has welcomed the opport u- ating a more pedestrian friendly
nity to build part of its Swindon environment."
campus on the site. The cost is estimated at £350
Also featured in this area will be million and will come from pri-
a new urban 'Zen' park and t he vate sector investment, public-pri-
rebuilding and extension of t he vate partnerships and contribu-
Oasis leisure centre. tions from the council and regional
The major roads at Fleming W ay development agencies.
The council hopes to finalise con-
sultation meetings on the propos-
Area panels als by the end of the year so that
Swindon residents have the op- they can be incorporated into the
Evening shifts Hours available to suit (1 - 4 shifts)
portunity to raise issues and to statutory planning processes.
consulted on proposals of
Weekdays Weekday shift only fecting their neighbourhoods a
six area panels made up of warc The Wal-Mart effect
Hours start from 6 or 7pm til 9pm, 10pm or 11 pm.
councillors. Swindon Borough Council plan-
Lunchtime hours also available ners have incorporated the
People who want a problen
debated should contact their lo
School holidays off..... cal councillors and there is a pub 360,000 square feet of retail
space to be developed at the
Potential earnings on tips ... Up to £30 per night lic question time at the begin North Swindon District Centre
Great rates of pay depending on experience ... ning of each meeting. into the overall plans for shop-
but no experience necessary ..Increases after training Panel meetings take place on: ping provision in the town.
Specialists in shopping pat-
Great benefits.. rton meals and in Shaw Ride 1 2 November West Swindon
terns believe there will be a short
9 November North Central term slow down in investment
7 December South East but as the population expands
13 December East Swindon the Wal-Mart effect should not
Please quote: Ref LR 14 December South Swindon be detrimental to town centre
(21 December North Swindon development and regeneration.
See pages 44 and 45.