Wolsely Avenue to be partially closed as Queens Drive redevelopment progresses

The bridge will be placed over Wolsely Avenue and will connect the construction site to the compound. This will allow the contractors to move between the two areas with greater ease.

As the workforce increases, this will improve road and site safety for local residents and contractors and will replace the use of the current pedestrian access gates to the site, keeping the footpath along Wolsely Avenue for public use.

In order for the bridge to be installed, Wolsely Avenue will be closed in both directions between Queens Drive and Leighton Avenue for five days from Monday, 14 December.

The road closure is required to keep the construction workers and road users safe while the bridge is erected over the road.

The Queens Drive regeneration project is one of the Council’s flagship housing developments. It is estimated to cost £34m and is being funded from a grant from Homes England, Housing Revenue Account (HRA) borrowing, future rents and income generated from the development.

Phase 1A of the project comprises the demolition of the George Gay Gardens’ site, completed in April last year, and the construction of 32 flats and 15 houses. Phase 1A construction work started in June and will be complete by next winter (2021).

Phase 1B will then involve the demolition of the existing T-blocks and construction of 68 flats and 34 houses. This phase is expected to start in late spring next year.

The bridge will remain in place for the duration of construction works on the Phase 1A site and will be removed by next winter.

Councillor Cathy Martyn, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Public Safety, said: “I am delighted with the progress being made at Queens Drive and welcome the installation of the temporary bridge to allow construction staff to work safely.

“Wolsely Avenue will be closed for just five days next week and disruption to drivers and residents will be kept to a minimum.”