Town centre regeneration
What are the challenges facing the town centre?
Like town centres across the country, Swindon’s high street is adapting to changing times and the needs of the local community. Moving on from national chain and department store closures and diversifying its offer beyond retail as more people choose to shop online and out of town.
With most of the land and buildings in the town centre under private ownership, businesses are bringing forward plans to convert vacant shop units into new homes and venues where people can socialise and enjoy experiences.
The pace of change will depend on overall economic conditions, investor confidence and how far existing and future government policies stimulate changes as the country recovers from the pandemic.
The private sector has already begun to invest in our town centre. Recent developments include:
- Three new tenants moving into Swindon town centre offices at 3 Newbridge Square
- New £1.5 million entertainment venue at Regent Circus
- Plans approved to convert the floors above 19 E Regent Street (former site of the William Wallace Hunter furnishing shop) and the building next door into 12 flat

Outside the office building at 3 New Bridge Square

Funky Grilla at Regent Circus

Boom Battle Bar at Regent Circus