Council Leader details preparations for massive town centre improvement project

By Jessica Durston - 24 August 2022

Politics
  • Cllr David Renard

    Cllr David Renard

A monthly column from Swindon Borough Council leader David Renard.

In a couple of weeks’ time the next phase of a much-anticipated regeneration project will get into full swing.

The new Premier Inn has been slowly taking shape behind the purple hoardings that have enveloped the derelict site opposite The Savoy.

Up until now, the £33m redevelopment of Fleming Way has focused on moving utility pipes and cables and preparing the western end of the road, which used to house Cheltenham Street car park.

But all that will change from Sunday, 4 September, when the road is completely closed to traffic to enable the major work to get underway.

The closure will inconvenience many bus passengers who will have to use alternative stops as the area is transformed but, when complete, I can promise them it will be worth the wait. Not only will they benefit from a new and improved bus interchange, but the public open spaces will be unrecognisable.

New cycle lanes will join up the main cycling routes across the town and new trees and bee-friendly plants will help create an attractive and welcoming environment for shoppers and visitors alike.

I would encourage you to not think of this scheme as just a project to improve bus and cycling facilities, it is much more than that.

Most of the money for the improvements, £25m in fact, was secured from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund. To get that money we had to submit a seriously strong business case to the Government outlining how these changes will benefit Swindon.

While I am sure senior Government officials will have been impressed by the physical benefits the scheme will bring, I think what is sure to have swayed them is the wider economic benefits this change to Fleming Way will bring.

This isn’t just about changing Fleming Way, it is about transforming the area around it – and further into the town centre. This scheme is a catalyst.

We know investment of this scale will increase land values in this part of town, making it more attractive for investors to bring forward new homes, offices, shops and leisure facilities.

One of the reasons Zurich decided to stay in Swindon and build its brand-new offices is because of the changes to Fleming Way that are now taking place and we know it will almost certainly ensure the vacant brownfield site at Kimmerfields, right next door, is developed in the future.

It is the cornerstone of almost £100m of council-led investment, which is being ploughed into various town centre projects to upgrade transport links, the public realm and heritage assets.

These will all help to create Swindon’s town centre as a place for people to socialise, shop, work and live. A place where people can set up homes and businesses, stay longer, spend more and keep coming back.

If you’d like to stay updated on the progress of the Fleming Way improvements please do sign up to our dedicated e-newsletter at: www.swindon. gov.uk/newsletter

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