Swindon car park transformation proposed to create community skate and activity hub
Plans include roller rink and multi-use space for art and fitness events
Swindon Borough Council has lodged formal planning applications to repurpose the top two storeys of the Whalebridge multi-storey car park, aiming to create a vibrant community hub that caters to skaters, artists, and those engaged in yoga and fitness practices.
The collaboration between Swindon Borough Council and Swindon Skate Social seeks to convert the underutilised sections of the car park, originally opened at a cost of £15 million in 2013, primarily into a roller skating rink, though flexibility in usage will allow for various community events.
The proposals outline limited operational changes, such as installing gates to prevent vehicle access, secure stairwell doors, and painting a skate track on the top open-air storey. These modifications aim to ensure the area is safe, vibrant, and inclusive for diverse community activities.
According to the application, transforming the space will not notably impact car parking requirements, given Whalebridge’s position as the sixth most-used car park out of 20 in the town centre, with ample existing space due to low demand.
Council leader Jim Robbins has highlighted the potential for repurposing the car park to inject energy into the town centre, expressing optimism about the prospect of a new community hub encouraging more visitors and activity:
“We know the car park is underused, so let’s use it for something else. It will bring people into the town centre to use it, it’ll bring a bit of a buzz back to the area.”
However, concerns about potential anti-social behaviour were raised by Swindon’s neighbourhood policing boss, Chief Inspector Carly Nesbitt.
The decision on this innovative proposal is set for early April, with the intention to enhance community engagement and maximise underutilised spaces in Swindon’s town centre.