Centre for Cities’ Chief Executive, Andrew Carter, says Swindon’s strong economy will help it bounce back from the effects of the pandemic.
This statement follows Centre for Cities' release of its latest economic outlook report.
While it notes that stronger town and city centres like Swindon have borne the economic brunt of the pandemic, it says their higher levels of affluence mean they are likely to recover quickly when restrictions are lifted and workers return to the office.
Mr Carter said: “It has not been an easy two years for businesses in Swindon but the strong local economy means that they should be able to expect consumer spending and footfall to pick up again as we hopefully exit the pandemic this year.”
Swindon Borough Council say that the town centre has already shown it is beginning to recover from the economic shock of the pandemic. Over the last few months, a new community centre set up in the disused River Island store in Canal Walk, new restaurants and leisure venues have opened in Regent Circus, and Taco Bell joined a host of new independent shops in moving into previously empty units.
The next four years will also see over £100m of council-led investment in the town centre.
Members of the public can find out how Swindon is responding to the increase in online shopping and the changing needs of the local community on the council website at www.swindon.gov.uk/towncentreregeneration
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