‘Poor-quality’ town centre in desperate need of upgrades report finds
Residents say it ‘doesn’t feel a great place to be’
Swindon residents feel like there is a lack of green spaces and shops as well as a need for better transport.
This is according to a report based on comments by members of the public which is set to be delivered to the Build a Better Swindon committee today.
Written by council officer David Dewart, the report does not hold back in pointing out the town centre’s shortcomings.
It reads: “Central Swindon, and in particular Swindon town centre, is characterised by a poor-quality built environment. A lack of green space further detracts from the user experience.
“Movement into and around the centre for all transport modes is difficult, in particular for visitors who are not familiar with its layout. These structural challenges have been added to by shifts in the way in which we shop. A greater proportion of shopping spend is being made online or at out-of-town retail parks.”
Council leader Jim Robbins said he agrees with all aspects of the report.
“I think Swindon town centre is a bit tired. It’s got a lot of empty shops because obviously the world of retail has changed and the town centre probably hasn’t kept up with that change.
It feels like a town centre that is in need of a bit of love, in need of a bit of investment and in need of a lot of modernisation”.
The report was commissioned by the council who were looking for feedback on their Heart of Swindon plan.
The plan includes more greenery and pocket parks, the creation of ‘a centre for learning’ – a hub for higher education institutions and students, possibly hoping to attract more colleges to base here, ‘a knowledge centre’- enabling growth in digital and creative economy, more housing to diversify the use of the centre and better transport links, especially on foot or by bike.
Residents were able to share their opinions on the Heart of Swindon plan during a series of Let’s Talk Swindon events last December and so far, the feedback has been positive.
“We had a sell-out at one of them which is unheard of for a local authority consultation event.
But we’re really pleased to get that feedback. Lots of enthusiasm for the plans but also lots of really good genuine feedback that has allowed us to improve it”, added Cllr Robbins.
While many of the plans will take a while to be fully realised, the council has already started to take first steps towards an improved town centre.
“There are some easy, sort of short-term gains, that we’re working on at the moment. So you’ll see part of the connectivity improving as we open the Fleming Way improvements later this year.
There’s already work underway trying to increase use of the market and things like that. So those early steps are already taking place”.
The committee meeting during which councillors will receive the report starts at 6pm.