Media centre

Tuesday 14 Dec 2004

URBAN REGENERATION IN SWINDON

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

A partner is being sought to develop the land adjacent to Swindon Station.  The site, owned by Network Rail and currently occupied by an industrial estate and a car park, is to be developed for residential purposes in line with the Swindon Regeneration Framework.  Deborah Richards, Network Rail’s Director of Railway Estates, said: “The first phase involves nine acres of land next to the station.  We have contacted a number of developers to gauge interest and, following a selection process, we plan to have a partner in place by March 2005.” The move has the full support of the New Swindon Company, the urban regeneration organisation for the town, which is backed by members of the local business community, as well as the National Trust and Swindon Borough Council. Further possible proposals include major refurbishment of the station, greatly improving the car parking and travel facilities, mixed use redevelopment involving both residential and commercial uses and improvements to links across the railway.  Network Rail continues to review its landholdings in the town and to will work closely with both New Swindon Company and Swindon Borough Council throughout the process.  Once listed planning consent is obtained, work will take approximately two years to complete the first phase of development. Peter Leppard, Network Rail’s Acting Western Route Director, adds: “The scheme will put much needed life into what is currently a dead frontage.  It will also improve links across the railway, in particular to the Designer Outlet Village, Steam Railway Museum and the National Monuments Record Office.”