New art to brighten up run-down area of Swindon town centre

Once home to a bustling outdoor market, the decline of Fleet Street, and neighbouring Bridge Street, has mirrored the experiences of similar towns and cities across the country.

But all that is about to change, with a range of interventions Swindon Borough Council hopes will stimulate investment in the area and bring a sense of pride back into this corner of the town centre.

Curated and managed by Artsite, the organisation behind Swindon Paint Fest, artists will introduce a series of large-scale artworks designed to celebrate Fleet Street’s heritage, strengthen community pride and create a more vibrant, welcoming destination.

The first phase of the programme, supported by funding from the Council and Arts Council England’s Place Partnership Fund, focuses on five prominent buildings along Fleet Street. Each site has a bespoke design brief informed by its history, architectural features and former uses, ensuring the artwork reflects the character of the area.

The work champions local creative talent, with Swindon-based artists Caryn Koh, Ed Poster and Dayna Baxter commissioned to deliver the initial murals. Wherever possible, materials and services are provided by local businesses, helping keep investment within the town. Work is already underway, with new pieces beginning to transform the street. Members of the public can follow progress via Artsite’s Instagram.

Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “Anyone who knows this part of the town centre will be aware that it has suffered from a lack of investment in recent years.

“Boarded up shops and the closure of well-known hospitality venues has contributed to its decline, and although most of the shops and units are privately owned, we’ve been doing what we can as a council to get the wheels of transformation moving in this part of town,

“We’ve been regularly speaking to and working with local landowners to try and get progress on new commercial and residential developments and are pushing for landowners to use the planning permissions that have been granted in the area.

“In the meantime, we’re excited to be working with Artsite to brighten up the area and bring a vibrancy to a once-loved area of the town.

“We’re also looking into how we can improve the public realm and I’m hopeful that work will begin on those improvements in the coming months.”

Helen Salter, Artsite's Public Art Project Manager, said: “Having grown up in Swindon and remembering visiting the toy shop Beattie’s and the legendary Fleet Street Market, it’s been a privilege to help bring this public art programme to life.

“Working with talented artists and local businesses, the project is community-driven at its heart, helping Fleet Street step confidently into the next chapter of its rich and diverse story.”

Fleet Street and Faringdon Road are home to more than 30 independent businesses, offering a vibrant mix that reflects the area’s character and community.

The Public Art Programme recognises this long-standing contribution and aims to help bring new energy and vibrancy to the street. Any local artists interested in being part of future opportunities are encouraged to contact swindonpaintfest@gmail.com.