Refurbishing the Health Hydro and regenerating the David Murray John building are among projects vying for Swindon's share of £3.6bn in Government cash.
The regeneration of the David Murray John building, which was built in 1974 and 1975, is among the projects
Last year, Swindon was selected as one of 101 places to be given the chance to bid for up to £25 million as part of the £3.6bn Towns Fund.
The independent Swindon Town Deal Board was brought together in response to Swindon being successfully shortlisted, and has worked to develop a draft plan.
Local organisations were also given the opportunity last month to submit project proposals, which the board then considered.
Richard Newland, chair of the Swindon Town Deal Board and Director of Branch Workplace Development at Nationwide Building Society, said: “The Board has done a fantastic job of pulling this investment plan together at such short notice because we recognise the importance of being one of the first places in the UK to submit a bid to the Government.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many economic challenges, and this funding would be a huge boost to Swindon and help to stimulate further investment in the town, creating jobs and greater prosperity for the people who live here.
“We believe we have a strong bid and we will be submitting the investment plan to the Government shortly.”
The seven projects to be submitted by the board are:
- The complete refurbishment of the Health Hydro with £5m from the fund. The board aims to provide what it describes as a unique leisure facility with a 33m pool, gym, exercise rooms, Turkish Baths and alternative medicine practitioners - all within a historic setting.
- Expanding the regeneration of the Carriage Works, which is being turned into a business space. The board will seek £5m.
- Bringing Create Studios to the Carriage Works and developing a state-of-the-art media production facility. This board seeks £400,000 for this.
- Creating what the board describes as a modern and vibrant market hall at the Brunel Centre. The board will ask for £100,000 to support local growers and producers.
- Regenerating the David Murray John building with £5.5m. The board describes the structure, built between 1974 and 1975, as Swindon's most significant landmark building.
- Bringing forward the Kimmerfields residential and commercial project by adding new infrastructure, new access off Corporation Street, estate roads and landscaping, and public and green space. The board seeks £6m for the project.
- A £3m project to improve the route from Swindon Station to the Great Western Historic area, possibly including shortening the Sheppard Street tunnel by about 34m from its current 110m by removing car parking above.
The Government has asked that local funding proposals should drive long-term economic and productivity growth through town centre regeneration and investment in connectivity, land use, economic assets including cultural assets, skills and enterprise infrastructure.
The draft Town Investment Plan will be submitted to Government on Friday 31 July and updates on the outcome of this are expected later this year.
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