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Community News

Concerns over Old Town parking

Now that proposals to renovate sunken gardens back into use. This
the Locarno building in Old Town would obviously require a car park.
have begun to sink in, questions “The Locarno team has offered all
are being raised by residents and of these points as a basis to place
local businesses regarding a parking a car park here, and if it’s done
solution for the new development. correctly could really benefit Old
With the proposals including Town.”
a cinema, boutique hotel and a On the other side, some local
variety of shops and restaurants residents have balked at the idea of
within and around the revamped their green spaces being adapted
Corn Exchange, the development and expect the proposed new
team has been engaging in talks traffic system around the Locarno
with the Old Town Business to cause more disruption to Victoria
Association to try and find a Hill and the daily congestion on its
solution to alleviate pressure on the mini roundabout.
areas already stretched car parks. Darren Simons, landlord of The
Kris Talikowski, owner of The Victoria pub, said: “Whilst we all
Core juice bar on Devizes Road and know Old Town could do with
member of the Old Town Business some more parking, if the plan is to
Association, said: “The developers pedestrianise the roads around the
have really engaged with the local Locarno, it will drive traffic along
business community on the subject Devizes Road and down Victoria
of parking. We have discussed a Road. Congestion is already bad
solution on the Old Town Lawns enough along here without another
area, and I think this could be a option being taken away.”
good option. Swindon Corn Exchange project
“I believe if we were to say the director Steve Rosier said: “We
National Trust took over the Lawns have a process to follow before
area tomorrow, one of their first knowing if there will be a parking
moves would be to make the area issue in Old Town. It is therefore
commericially viable. This would premature to comment. When we
include utilising the old Manor have considered all options, and Above: The Locarno building and car park as it stands today. Below: The
House as some sort of cafe or tea developed an idea, we can present developers proposal for what the new Corn Exchange and surrounding area
room I expect, and bringing the a solution for public consultation.” could become

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