Public asked to share their views on ‘Heart of Swindon’ vision

Earlier this month, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet approved plans to finalise a vision for the ‘Heart of Swindon’, which sets out a set of shared ambitions to spearhead the reinvention of the town centre.

The eight ambitions in the draft document are the result of a co-ordinated effort by the Council to seek the expertise and input of partners including key landowners, developers, educational institutions, government agencies and businesses.

Partners have told the Council that developing such a framework would be invaluable in mobilising effort and guiding the future investment needed to help Swindon town centre transition from a past dominated by retail, to a future destination where people live, work, socialise and study.

Following the work carried out so far, the Council now wants to hear what residents think about the vision.

This is already being discussed at the fully-booked ‘Let’s talk Swindon’ events being held across the Borough, but those unable to attend are now being encouraged to send in their thoughts.

A dedicated webpage has been created where residents can easily access the ‘Heart of Swindon’ document, see a short breakdown of the eight ambitions and email the Council their opinions on the vision and what they feel is missing.

Any comments should be emailed to the Council by Friday, 22 December.

Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “I think everyone would agree that our town centre, like many across the country, has suffered in recent years due to a change in our shopping habits and the decline of major High Street retailers. I know residents are also frustrated that there has been a lack of meaningful regeneration in the town centre for a number of years. We need to completely rethink our town centre offer and what it will provide residents in the future.

“But the Council cannot do this alone, which is why the vision for the ‘Heart of Swindon’ has been created with the help of the town centre’s major landowners, government departments, our partners in the education sector and local businesses.

“Crucially though we want to hear what local residents think of the eight ambitions contained within the vision and that they can feel part of this journey to reinvent the town centre.

“If you get the time, please look through the document and send us any thoughts or comments so we can feed this into the final version.”