The Swindon Heritage Action Zone
The Swindon Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) was launched in June 2019, as an ambitious five-year plan to revitalise and promote the town’s unique railway heritage. Over five years Historic England provided their heritage expertise and over £1.6million of funding to help us deliver the HAZ projects.
The HAZ was a collaborative process involving many local people and organisations through the HAZ Stakeholder Group, project steering groups and public consultations, drop-in sessions for residents at the Bakers, volunteer gardening and tree planting sessions, film and mural workshops.
This is what has been achieved
Refurbishment of historic buildings and spaces
- GWR Park – A new Blossom Circle has been created on the footprint of historic bandstand, formal flowerbeds have been reinstated and all park furniture has been replaced. This project received additional funding from the National Trust Blossom Fund and South Swindon Parish Council who hosted Blossom Festival events in the park in April 2023 and 2024. You can read more about GWR Park on the South Swindon Parish Council website.
- The Carriage Works, the Cricketers and the Health Hydro (Faringdon Road elevation) – Exterior repairs (stonework, guttering, windows) were carried out on these buildings
- The Mechanics’ Institution – High level urgent works were carried out on the Mechanics’ Institution in spring 2023 to prevent any further deterioration of the building and all on-site vegetation has been removed. A dedicated project manager is being appointed to manage the Mechanics’ Institution Working Group and plot a road map to restore the building.
Public spaces and pedestrian route improvements to make it easier to walk around Swindon town centre
- New wayfinding signage is helping people navigate across Swindon town centre. Bus traffic around Emlyn Square has been reduced by 50% and 70 new trees have been planted making the Railway Village streets feel quieter, safer and greener.
- The 'HAZ Streets and Spaces project' has enhanced the pedestrian route from the station into the Railway Village, widening pavements, planting trees and creating a pocket park. The two tunnels under the railtrack now have improved drainage and lighting and new interpretative murals. This project was funded by the Towns Deal.
- Plans have also been drawn for a new pedestrian crossing to connect the Health Hydro to the Railway Village. Funding has yet to be identified to deliver this project.
What happens next
Regeneration
The regeneration continues with additional grant funding of around £18 million from the Getting Building Fund and the Towns Deal. You can view the project pages below for the Carriage Works and the Health Hydro to follow the refurbishment of these important buildings in Swindon town centre.
The new Works place brand
The new Works place brand is helping to promote the former HAZ area and Swindon town centre as a destination and place of historical interest. The brand was created by Hemingway Design following a consultation with local residents and organisations.
The Works does not seek to rename the Railway Village or other areas, but is a name that brings the former GWR Works site north of the track together with the Railway Village south of the track into one geographically recognisable area.
The Works is characterised by its railway heritage and encompasses the Health Hydro, the Railway Village, the Railway Village Museum, STEAM Museum, Swindon Designer Outlet and the Historic England National Archive.
The brand is available for use by all organisations operating within The Works to signal where they are located and to market their activities.
To request the brand guidelines, contact Karen Phimister: kphimister@swindon.gov.uk.
Read more about each project
