Planning and regeneration news
Council Leader urges partners to “be bold and help lead the reinvention of the town centre”
The Leader of Swindon Borough Council, Councillor Jim Robbins, will today (1 Oct) issue a rallying cry to organisations with a stake in the future of Swindon town centre.
Published: Tuesday, 1st October 2024-
Council taking legal advice over Abbey Stadium development
The Leader of Swindon Borough Council has confirmed that the local authority is reviewing the planning requirements for the development around the outside of the Abbey Stadium to ascertain if they have been breached.
Published: Thursday, 23rd May 2024 -
Major milestone in Oasis revamp as development agreement signed
An agreement to refurbish the Oasis Leisure Centre has been signed, paving the way for plans to be submitted later this year.
Published: Friday, 17th May 2024 -
Council recognises building excellence at local awards event
Swindon’s local construction industry was celebrated at an annual awards event organised by Swindon Borough Council’s Building Control team.
Published: Thursday, 28th March 2024 -
Statement on Abbey Stadium development
An update from Councillor Kevin, Small, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for Planning, following the recent request from DPP Planning calling on the Council to change the agreement with Gaming International to amend the use of the Abbey Stadium.
Published: Monday, 25th March 2024 -
Swindon’s biggest Council-led affordable housing scheme at heart of new masterplan
A masterplan to create a well-managed housing development on land close to Marlowe Avenue and Greenbridge Road will be discussed by councillors next week (13 March).
Published: Wednesday, 6th March 2024 -
Completion of Wichelstowe district centre moves a step closer
Exciting plans for the future expansion of the district centre in one of Swindon’s boldest housing developments have been submitted.
Published: Wednesday, 7th February 2024 -
Roadmap to revive iconic Mechanics Institute to be put before Cabinet
A roadmap which sets out how one of Swindon’s most famous buildings could be brought back into use will be discussed by Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet next week (7 Feb).
Published: Tuesday, 30th January 2024 -
Council wants to know how residents would like to engage on planning issues
Everyone who lives or works in the Borough of Swindon can help to ensure they have a say in all aspects of how land is used.
Published: Monday, 29th January 2024 -
Work begins on external Health Hydro works as new funding bid submitted
Work to improve the external façade of the Health Hydro has begun.
Published: Wednesday, 6th December 2023 -
Town centre heritage projects awarded almost £700,000 in additional funding
Heritage projects in Swindon’s town centre have been awarded an additional £685,000 from Historic England.
Published: Friday, 24th November 2023 -
Residents and businesses invited to shape future development in their local area
People living and working in the Marlowe Avenue and Greenbridge Road area will be able to have their say on what their neighbourhood could look like in the future.
Published: Friday, 10th November 2023 -
Plans to refurbish the Oasis to be discussed by Council’s Cabinet
A proposal to refurbish one of the region’s most iconic leisure centres will be discussed by councillors next week (15 Nov).
Published: Tuesday, 7th November 2023 -
Residents invited to have their say on the future of Swindon’s heritage
Residents are invited to attend a special public event, which aims to start a Borough-wide engagement on heritage in Swindon.
Published: Tuesday, 7th November 2023 -
New football pitch the first facility to open ahead of Moredon Sporting Hub completion
Footballers of all ages and abilities in Swindon have a new place to show off their skills after a brand-new 3G pitch was unveiled ahead of schedule at the new Moredon Sporting Hub.
Published: Tuesday, 17th October 2023 -
Construction underway on new sporting hub in Moredon
Work is underway to build a brand new £6.3m multi-sports community hub in Moredon.
Published: Thursday, 8th June 2023 -
Still time to put forward development sites to inform Local Plan
There are still a few days left for developers, landowners, land agents and individuals to put forward sites or broad geographical locations to inform Swindon’s new Local Plan.
Published: Monday, 27th March 2023 -
Less buses to travel through Railway Village as new route trialled
A six-month trial starts next month, which will reduce the number of buses in Swindon’s Railway Village and the Heritage Action Zone area.
Published: Wednesday, 22nd March 2023 -
Council agrees sale of former museum and art gallery for community-backed scheme
Plans to give a landmark building in Old Town a new lease of life have taken a significant step forward after agreement was reached on its sale.
Published: Monday, 13th March 2023 -
Fresh hope for future of Old Town landmark
Plans to rejuvenate one of Swindon’s most historic buildings have taken a significant step forward.
Published: Friday, 3rd March 2023 -
Council Leader welcomes multi-million pound investment in town centre
Plans to invest £7.5m in one of Swindon’s most prominent office blocks is a vote of confidence in the town, according to the Leader of Swindon Borough Council.
Published: Thursday, 23rd February 2023 -
Council issues call for development sites to inform new Local Plan
Individuals, landowners, developers and land agents are being encouraged to help inform the first stage of Swindon’s new Local Plan, which sets out how much development is needed in the Borough over the next 20 to 30 years.
Published: Wednesday, 22nd February 2023 -
Building excellence recognised at Council awards event
Construction projects and the people behind them were recognised at a special event organised by Swindon Borough Council’s Building Control team.
Published: Monday, 13th February 2023 -
Changes to Oasis dome get green light from council’s planners
Swindon Borough Council’s planners have approved proposals to restore the dome of the Oasis Leisure Centre.
Published: Thursday, 26th January 2023 -
Health Hydro regeneration to start in coming months
The first phase of work to transform Swindon’s iconic Health Hydro is set to get underway in a few months’ time.
Published: Monday, 23rd January 2023 -
Planning Committee to be live streamed for Broome Manor Golf planning item
Members of the public interested in attending next Tuesday’s (10 Jan) Planning Committee meeting have the option of watching it online from the comfort of their own homes, Swindon Borough Council has confirmed.
Published: Thursday, 5th January 2023 -
Councillors asked to approve new timeline for revised draft Local Plan
A plan to ensure Swindon has the right homes, jobs and infrastructure over the next 20 years needs to be updated, councillors will be told next week (7 Dec).
Published: Wednesday, 30th November 2022 -
Huge infrastructure investment paves the way for Swindon’s future growth
The biggest programme of road improvements in a generation has been delivered to lay the foundations for Swindon’s expansion.
Published: Tuesday, 29th November 2022 -
Falcon House to receive new lease of life
A derelict and decaying former office block in Swindon’s town centre is undergoing a Phoenix-like renaissance thanks to ongoing work to rejuvenate the local area.
Published: Friday, 23rd September 2022 -
Further chance for public to see Fleming Way transformation plans
The public will have another chance next week to view plans for the £33m transformation of Fleming Way as well as find out how journeys will be affected as the work is carried out.
Published: Friday, 5th August 2022 -
Improvements to Whalebridge junction to start next week
Changes will be made to a town centre junction from Monday (18 July) to improve traffic flow in the local area.
Published: Thursday, 14th July 2022 -
Whalebridge Junction to undergo improvements as part of Fleming Way upgrade
A town centre junction will be reconfigured to improve traffic flow as part of plans to transform Fleming Way.
Published: Wednesday, 1st June 2022 -
Public to see latest plans for transformation of Fleming Way
This week, members of the public will be able to find out how Fleming Way will be transformed over the next two and a half years.
Published: Monday, 9th May 2022 -
Local organisations get behind Swindon’s GBR bid
Major organisations in Swindon have backed the town’s bid to become the new headquarters of Great British Railways (GBR).
Published: Wednesday, 4th May 2022 -
Initial phase of main Fleming Way improvements to start next week
The transformation of Fleming Way will step up a gear next week when work begins on the western end of the key town centre road.
Published: Monday, 11th April 2022 -
Funding bid submitted to give underpasses a bright future
Two underpasses, which provide key pedestrian and cycle access into Swindon town centre, could be in line for major improvements if a bid for government funding is successful.
Published: Friday, 25th March 2022 -
Digital Filmmaking studio gets green light at Carriage Works
The Carriage Works is set to welcome a new digital media facility after the latest Swindon’s Towns Fund project was approved by central Government.
Published: Friday, 18th March 2022 -
Contractor appointed for major Swindon regeneration scheme
A huge £33m regeneration project, which will act as a catalyst for future investment in Swindon town centre, is a step closer to taking off following the appointment of the contractor for the scheme.
Published: Wednesday, 2nd March 2022 -
Renovation of historic Health Hydro moves a step closer
Specialist place and development advisors, Fourth Street, have been appointed to help with the renovation of Swindon's Grade II* Health Hydro.
Published: Friday, 28th January 2022 -
Boom Battle Bar and Funkygrilla open at Regent Circus
Swindon has recently seen two new venues open in the town centre.
Published: Monday, 18th October 2021 -
Council appoints Hemingway Design to create a place brand for Swindon’s Heritage Action Zone
Work is underway to put Swindon’s historic railway heritage on the map.
Published: Tuesday, 21st September 2021 -
First phase of Fleming Way rejuvenation to get underway with car park demolition
A town centre car park will be demolished later this month to help pave the way for a major £33m scheme to improve Swindon town centre.
Published: Friday, 10th September 2021 -
Planning permission granted for up to 1,550 new homes at the New Eastern Villages
The latest phase of what will be one of the largest greenfield developments in the country has been given planning permission by Swindon Borough Council.
Published: Tuesday, 31st August 2021 -
Queens Drive £34m regeneration project moves on to next stage
The next phase of a regeneration project which will see £34m invested as part of a development on Queens Drive has started.
Published: Friday, 13th August 2021 -
Local people can now have their say on Swindon’s draft Local Plans
People living in Swindon are being asked for their views on proposed changes to the Borough’s Local Plan and Local Transport Plan.
Published: Thursday, 29th July 2021 -
Groundwell Park and Ride goes on the market
The four-acre Groundwell Park and Ride site on Cricklade Road is now being offered for sale.
Published: Friday, 19th March 2021 -
Cabinet to discuss options for bringing Corn Exchange back to life
The future of a much-loved heritage building will be the focus of councillors at the next meeting of Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet (3 March).
Published: Friday, 26th February 2021 -
Council to bid for up to £6m in government funding to reduce risk of flooding
Four areas in Swindon at risk of flooding could benefit from millions of pounds in government funding.
Published: Friday, 29th January 2021 -
Government backs Bus Boulevard scheme to transform Fleming Way
Swindon has been given a belated £25m Christmas present by the Government which will help pave the way for a new bus interchange and gateway into the town centre.
Published: Thursday, 24th December 2020 -
Wheels in motion for Groundwell Park and Ride site
Swindon’s former Groundwell Park and Ride could be given a new lease of life after Swindon Borough Council’s Planning Committee approved a development brief last night (10 Nov).
Published: Wednesday, 11th November 2020 -
First phase of £34m Queens Drive regeneration project off to a flying start
The coronavirus pandemic has not slowed progress at Queens Drive as the first phase of the £34m regeneration project continues apace.
Published: Tuesday, 27th October 2020 -
Cabinet approves plans for Cultural Quarter in Swindon town centre
Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet has agreed plans to build a brand new Cultural Quarter in the town centre.
Published: Thursday, 22nd October 2020 -
Surveyors inspect historic Mechanics’ Institute as restoration plans resume
Experts carrying out a condition survey of the Grade II* listed Mechanics’ Institute entered the building in HazMat suits this week as restoration plans continue.
Published: Thursday, 15th October 2020 -
Kimmerfields site identified as location for Swindon’s new Cultural Quarter
Exciting plans to rejuvenate the arts in Swindon could be given a huge boost next week when members of Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet decide on where to build a brand new Cultural Quarter.
Published: Wednesday, 14th October 2020 -
Carriage Works regeneration hits key milestone with completion of Cultural Heritage Institute
A significant milestone in the ongoing regeneration of Swindon’s Carriage Works has been reached with the completion of the Royal Agricultural University’s (RAU) Cultural Heritage Institute (CHI).
Published: Friday, 9th October 2020 -
Swindon to receive £1m boost for key town centre project
The Government has awarded Swindon £1m in funding to help accelerate the Kimmerfields project in the town centre.
Published: Tuesday, 29th September 2020 -
Brunel’s Carriage Works at the heart of Swindon’s economic comeback
The ongoing regeneration of the Carriage Works is one of the key infrastructure projects at the heart of Swindon’s economic recovery following the coronavirus pandemic.
Published: Friday, 25th September 2020 -
New Eastern Villages receives major boost thanks to Government funding for new link road
Funding is now in place for a key link road, which will form an important part of Swindon’s New Eastern Villages (NEV).
Published: Thursday, 17th September 2020 -
Next milestone reached for £25m investment plan
Experts from across the public, private and voluntary sector in Swindon have selected seven projects which will seek to earn a share of £25m in government funding.
Published: Monday, 27th July 2020 -
Council agrees deal to buy flagship Town Centre office building
Zurich’s new state-of-the-art office building in Swindon Town Centre will be bought by Swindon Borough Council as part of wider plans to regenerate the Kimmerfields site.
Published: Thursday, 23rd July 2020 -
Work to start next month on new Zurich town centre office
Work to build a flagship office on Swindon’s Kimmerfields site will begin next month.
Published: Monday, 20th July 2020 -
Construction of Cultural Heritage Institute at Carriage Works continues during pandemic
The conversion of Swindon’s former GWR Carriage Works to create premises for the Royal Agricultural University’s Cultural Heritage Institute is continuing apace through the pandemic.
Published: Monday, 1st June 2020 -
Big backing for Council’s Bus Boulevard bid
Major landowners and transport organisations have thrown their support behind Swindon Borough Council’s plans to transform the area around Fleming Way.
Published: Friday, 22nd May 2020 -
Landmark report on future of Mechanics’ Institute to be discussed by Council
Preparations could soon be underway to bring Swindon’s historic Mechanics’ Institute into public ownership.
Published: Tuesday, 17th March 2020 -
Council secures future of Health Hydro with £1.5 million pound investment
Swindon Borough Council has put more than £1m into one of the town’s most treasured heritage assets.
Published: Tuesday, 10th March 2020 -
Plans to revitalise Fleming Way to go on public display
Plans to create a new bus interchange and gateway into Swindon Town Centre will be the focus of two public drop-ins next week.
Published: Thursday, 27th February 2020 -
First cross-border ‘powerhouse’ the Western Gateway/Porth y Gorllewin launches new website and prospectus
A new economic partnership across south Wales and western England, which aims to boost local economies by working together, has launched a new website and prospectus today.
Published: Wednesday, 26th February 2020 -
Future of Mechanics' Institute starting to look bright
Good progress is being made with the future of the Mechanics’ Institute, we can report.
Published: Wednesday, 22nd January 2020 -
Statement on Old Town's Corn Exchange
A lack of progress on plans to rejuvenate Old Town’s Corn Exchange has forced Swindon Borough Council to initiate its internal authorisation process to seek to terminate a development agreement for the scheme.
Published: Tuesday, 21st January 2020 -
Survey will assess the condition of the historic Mechanics’ Institute
High-tech cameras, drones and robots will be used to assess the current state of one of Swindon’s most notable heritage buildings.
Published: Tuesday, 5th November 2019 -
Council agrees deal to bring Premier Inn to Swindon town centre
The regeneration of the town centre has taken a big leap forward as the Council has signed a deal to bring a swanky new Premier Inn hotel to Swindon.
Published: Monday, 4th November 2019 -
Council invests £2.5m in Wilts & Berks Canal restoration
A section of the Wilts & Berks Canal has been restored thanks to an investment from Swindon Borough Council.
Published: Friday, 9th August 2019 -
Council puts Old Town forward in latest High Street funding programme
Old Town could be the latest area of Swindon to benefit from significant government funding after Swindon Borough Council submitted a bid to The High Streets Heritage Action Zones (HSHAZ) programme.
Published: Wednesday, 24th July 2019 -
Work to turn historic railway works into Cultural Heritage Institute now underway
Swindon’s new Cultural Heritage Institute (CHI) has moved a significant step closer after work started to create a new learning centre in the town’s former Great Western Railway Carriage Works.
Published: Monday, 8th July 2019 -
Plans to transform Swindon Town Centre move a step closer following government announcement
Exciting plans to revitalise Fleming Way by creating a new bus interchange have received a significant boost from the Government.
Published: Friday, 5th July 2019 -
Essential road upgrades will start in October to enable 8,000-home development to go ahead
Major highway improvements designed to facilitate the construction of new housing communities will begin in earnest over the next few months.
Published: Wednesday, 3rd July 2019 -
Swindon’s future housing targets to be discussed by Council’s Cabinet
Plans to consult residents on where to build an extra 1,000 homes in the borough by 2036 will be discussed by councillors at next Wednesday’s (10 July) Cabinet meeting.
Published: Wednesday, 3rd July 2019 -
Swindon is charging ahead with plans for an electric vehicle future
Swindon is planning for an electric future thanks to a new policy for new-build homes that will go out for consultation in July and August.
Published: Friday, 14th June 2019 -
Swindon’s Heritage Action Zone is officially launched
Swindon Borough Council and Historic England have formally launched the town’s Heritage Action Zone (HAZ).
Published: Thursday, 6th June 2019 -
Canalside homes at Wichelstowe get the thumbs up
Detailed planning permission has been granted for the first homes to be delivered by the joint venture company set up to create around 3,000 new homes at Wichelstowe.
Published: Friday, 22nd March 2019 -
Landmark Wichelstowe footbridge lifted into place
An important piece of Wichelstowe’s District Centre jigsaw was slotted into place today (18 March) courtesy of a giant crane.
Published: Monday, 18th March 2019 -
Ambitious town centre plans to go before Cabinet
A new bus interchange will be used as a catalyst for rejuvenating Swindon town centre, under exciting plans to be discussed by councillors next week (20 March).
Published: Thursday, 14th March 2019 -
University to deliver Cultural Heritage Institute in historic former railway works building
Royal Agricultural University will deliver a new postgraduate and professional training hub in Swindon to support the cultural heritage industries.
Published: Thursday, 7th February 2019 -
Council removes Chiseldon site from SHELAA
The Council has listened to the concerns of residents in Chiseldon and removed a piece of land from the Strategic Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment.
Published: Friday, 21st December 2018 -
Eight sites in Council’s strategic land assessment deemed unsuitable
A number of sites which had been identified as having potential for future development in Swindon Borough Council’s Strategic Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (SHELAA) have been re-assessed as no longer being suitable following feedback from local residents.
Published: Monday, 10th December 2018 -
Survey aims to plug gaps in town’s electric vehicle charging map
People in Swindon are being asked to take part in a survey which aims to understand the demand for electric vehicle charging points in the town.
Published: Monday, 3rd December 2018 -
Cranes on the horizon as £270m North Star development gets big thumbs up
Swindon will have to get used to there being snow all year round after one of the town’s most exciting regeneration schemes was given the go ahead by councillors this evening.
Published: Tuesday, 27th November 2018 -
Council and Homes England in talks with Zurich over exciting new office space at Kimmerfields
One of Swindon’s major employers is in talks with Swindon Borough Council and Homes England to cement its position in the town centre by becoming a main occupier on the Kimmerfields regeneration site.
Published: Friday, 16th November 2018 -
State-of-the-art sports facility will be built in Swindon
A brand new £3.6m state-of-the-art sports hub is coming to Swindon after councillors gave it the big thumbs up.
Published: Thursday, 15th November 2018 -
Historic Railway Village awarded Heritage Action Zone status
Swindon’s treasured Railway Village has been selected as one of Historic England’s special Heritage Action Zones, and only the second in the South West.
Published: Thursday, 1st November 2018 -
Developer given extra time to deliver Locarno redevelopment
A developer has been given additional time to rejuvenate an important Old Town landmark after Swindon Borough Council agreed to vary the terms of a development agreement.
Published: Tuesday, 16th October 2018 -
Forward Swindon to be brought in-house to continue good progress on key town centre projects
Plans to bring Swindon Borough Council’s regeneration company in-house so it can work even more closely with the local authority’s Economy team have been announced following a Forward Swindon Limited (FSL) Board meeting last Friday (12 Oct).
Published: Monday, 15th October 2018 -
Council seeks developers for former Aspen House site
Swindon Borough Council is looking to breathe new life into the old Aspen House site in the town centre.
Published: Thursday, 30th August 2018 -
Heritage community backs Council’s vision for Railway Village
Swindon Borough Council has submitted a bid to Historic England for permission to establish a Heritage Action Zone at the Railway Village.
Published: Thursday, 30th August 2018 -
Council seeks new homes for agricultural artefacts
Swindon Borough Council is hoping to find new homes for a number of special artefacts.
Published: Thursday, 23rd August 2018 -
Carriage Works shortlisted for prestigious planning award
Swindon’s iconic Carriage Works has been shortlisted in the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) South West Awards for Planning Excellence.
Published: Wednesday, 22nd August 2018 -
Swindon to host innovative digital skills pilot
Swindon’s iconic Carriage Works will play host to a new pilot programme aimed at people who are looking to improve their digital skills.
Published: Tuesday, 7th August 2018 -
Strategic transport group welcomes Hertfordshire and Swindon to its ranks
Swindon Borough Council has officially been confirmed as one of the latest local authorities to join England’s Economic Heartland (EEH), which provides leadership for economic growth in a corridor reaching from Swindon in the west through Oxfordshire and the South Midlands to Cambridgeshire in the east.
Published: Friday, 20th July 2018 -
Euclid Terrace recognised as Best Small New Housing Development
A Swindon Borough Council-built housing development has been recognised at the recent Local Authority Building Control (LABC) Building Excellence Awards.
Published: Wednesday, 18th July 2018 -
First owners of Euclid Terrace property receive their keys
Seven new three-bedroom homes in Euclid Street, a few metres away from the Civic Offices, have been built and sold by Swindon Borough Council.
Published: Friday, 8th June 2018 -
Brunel’s drawing instruments join STEAM collection
Set of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s technical drawing instruments acquired by Museum of the Great Western Railway.
Published: Tuesday, 3rd April 2018 -
Local builders and designers recognised at awards ceremony
Building Excellence awards recognises local builders and designers producing good compliance and excellent standards of work.
Published: Wednesday, 28th March 2018 -
New exhibition to launch at STEAM
'The GWR Publicity Machine' explores the history of the GWR’s publicity department and the wonderful advertising it produced.
Published: Wednesday, 28th March 2018 -
New hoardings signal fresh start for Kimmerfields regeneration
Proposals for how the site will be taken forward to be presented to Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet in Autumn 2018.
Published: Saturday, 24th March 2018 -
Work starts on the next phase of development in Canalside
Development of urban café, bar and dining room to continue throughout year with expected opening in early 2019.
Published: Friday, 23rd March 2018
