'Swindon's most satisfying job?': Bus station demolition begins
The old bus station is being cleared to make way for the next phase of regeneration in Swindon's town centre
The demolition of Swindon’s former bus station at New Bridge Close has begun.
The old bus station is being cleared to make way for the next phase of regeneration in Swindon's town centre.
Cognition Land & Water has been appointed by Swindon Borough Council to carry out the demolition, which is expected to be completed by mid-February.
Initial work has involved removing the metal canopy and pre-demolition tasks, such as clearing individual bus stops.
The main building is now being dismantled, with materials like asbestos, bricks, kerbs and concrete safely processed and reused where possible.
Steel and other recyclable materials will be transported off-site to be reprocessed.
The site, part of the Kimmerfields area, is set for redevelopment, including new public spaces, pathways and planting aimed at improving connectivity between the train station and bus interchange.
Plans also include the construction of a new public square and a regional entertainment venue, which could replace the ageing Wyvern Theatre.
Work to secure funding and a developer for these projects is ongoing.
The regeneration forms part of Swindon Borough Council’s wider ‘Heart of Swindon’ vision, an initiative with over 50 proposals to transform Swindon’s town centre. Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, described the demolition of the bus station as an important step in realising these plans.
Jim Robbins said: “I’m so happy I was able to play a small part in getting rid of this awful facility, which did not create a good first impression of Swindon.
“It’s important that the new and improved bus interchange provides a springboard for the wider regeneration of the town centre and this is already bearing fruit with the millions of pounds that have been invested in the old Tri-Centre building and landlords elsewhere in the town centre bringing forward plans to transform their buildings.
“Once the bus station is gone, that makes land available for a new town centre entertainment venue to replace the ageing Wyvern. Meanwhile, we hope to attract a development partner to finally breathe new life into the derelict Kimmerfields site.
“I’m pleased we will be entering 2026 with plenty of optimism for the year ahead.”