Next phase of multi-million pound Oakfield regeneration to get underway

The £4.4m development is being brought forward by Swindon Borough Council and will include 10 flats and six three-bedroom houses on the corner of the former education campus.

The site, which will include space for trees and landscaping, will include a large area of public open space for residents and there will be electric vehicle charging points, car parking and facilities to store bikes.

Renewable energy systems such as air source heat pumps, solar panels and rainwater harvesting for gardens also form part of the plans, which will be formally submitted later this year.

To allow the development to go ahead, the former Oakfield Project community building, which has been empty since 2020, will be demolished from next week.

If planning is approved, the new homes will be built adjacent to Nationwide’s 239-home community housing development and will use similar building materials to ensure they blend in with the surrounding area.

The new development is the latest investment in the local area, following confirmation last month that more than £300,000 will be spent on local sports facilities and amenities.

A number of projects are already underway on nearby Buckhurst Field, thanks to the Oakfield Community Fund, which is managed by the Borough Council in partnership with Nationwide.

The improvements are being delivered by South Swindon Parish Council and include £75,500 for a new Buckhurst Playzone, £155,830 towards the Buckhurst Skate Park revamp and £70,000 towards the Buckhurst Sports Pavilion redevelopment, which will be used by local junior football group, Robins FC.

Councillor Emma Bushell, Deputy Leader of Swindon Borough Council and Cabinet Member for Organisational Oversight, said: “The regeneration of the Oakfield Project building and surrounding land has been in the pipeline for some time. My fellow ward councillors and I realise some members of the local community will be sad to see the demolition of the community building, but we hope that delivering much-needed accessible housing on the empty site will be welcomed by local residents.

“I am delighted the homes will be zero carbon and use energy-saving technology which will keep bills down for those that live there. The development also delivers on our mission to build a fairer, better and greener Swindon and it is great that it will be landscaped, featuring a large public open space, complete with trees.

“This is a significant investment in this part of Walcot and through the Oakfield Community Fund we have also been able to improve and enhance sports and play facilities for local families which is huge boost to the community.”

Work has already started on the new facilities and regular progress will be shared through the parish council’s website and social media channels.

For more information about the Buckhurst Field Improvement Programme, residents can visit the parish council’s website: www.southswindon-pc.gov.uk/buckhurst-field/