Page 27 - link magazine

TI
UP THE UNC ON

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L?t- LL ve
'Junction 1', North Swindon's answer to the Angel of
the North, will be revealed in all its glory during 2004. It's around two
years since Priory
The striking 15-metre high "At the beginning of the Vale first opened its
stainless steel sculpture will project, the NSDC agreed to doors to an eager
be situated at Junction 1 of contribute £94,000 towards home-buying public.
Thamesdown Drive. the costs," says Paul. So, has it lived up
Designed by leading London- "Unfortunately, rising costs
to expectations?
based architects, Softroom, during the design
Lorraine Palmer
the structure evokes the development may postpone
from Bloor Homes
junction's shape while, at its eventual appearance.
takes a trip down
night, its illuminated purple
panels will pay homage to "Swindon Borough Council is memory lane...
the area's rare orchi moreo currently managing the
"I'm fortunate because I've
orchid. matter. Of all the proposed seen Priory Vale progress
designs we saw during the
from both sides of the fence;
tender process, Junction 1 was
However, as Paul Springgay, first as part of the team that
the clear winner. It promises to planned it, and second as a
Project Manager of the North
be an inspirational landmark someone who lives here. In
Swindon Development
embodying everything the fifteen months I've lived
Consortium (NSDC) explains, at Priory Vale, I've witnessed
North Swindon stands for."
escalating budgets may delay how far it's come; from a busy
the landmark's unveiling. housing development site to a
Pictured right: A digital mockup
of the Junction 1 sculpture. place that can feel proud of its
strong community.
I walk my dog twice a day
TAKING CENTRE STAGE every day and there's never a
ti me when I don't stop for a
chat with my neighbours.
After a hard day's work, what better way to unwind than Because most people know I
by taking a leisurely stroll around a beautiful market work for Bloor, I've become
something of a mobile
square? That's exactly the leisurely treat Priory Vale information centre! Everyone
residents can expect in the not-too-distant future... is so excited about how fast
the area is developing and
centre's Project Director apartments. From there, looking forward to the
explains, it's sure to be the market square is just a amenities to come.
worth the wait. "Swindon stone's throw away, leading
From beautiful lamplights
Borough Council has now through to an array of appearing in the streets to
approved our plans," he attractive tree-lined avenues. new shops opening in the
says, smiling. "From the An obsessive eye for detail is area, it seems Priory Vale is
start, we explored what evident throughout. Not for always changing for the
better. Too often, residents
makes a market square this square the drab
are used to being promised
special. We discovered the concrete brutalism that so
much and offered little. But
best were those that boasted typified shopping centres of Priory Vale is an exception to
an individual character all of the 1970s... the rule.
their own. This insight has
In fact, I couldn't imagine
remained with us throughout "I will keep firm control of
li ving anywhere else. It's
the project." the Village Centre's look great to be a part of a growing
and feel," confirms Graham. community that's gelling so
With just a brief glance "I've been in design a long well. There's also such a wide
through the plans, it's easy ti me and know that if you variety of wonderful wildlife.
to see why Graham feels so lose sight of the original For example, walking around
Priory Vale, I regularly see
excited. The Village vision, the results can be a
deer wandering along the
Centre's high street winds mess. Rest assured, the
pathways. Living here, I have
The eagerly anticipated into a main square, which centre will be a beautiful it all: friendly neighbours, a
Priory Vale Village Centre is will be home to a place to live, enjoy and superb home, and a beautiful
all set to open in 2007. And smattering of small shops, relax - and I'm determined environment. Who could ask
as Graham Holland, the restaurants, bars and we're going to get it right." for more?"

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