Further chance for public to see Fleming Way transformation plans

Ahead of the road being closed to traffic from Sunday, 4 September, two information events will give the public the opportunity to speak to members of the project team as well as contractor, Colas Ltd.

The drop-in events will take place in the Community Hub on The Parade on the following days:

• Tuesday, 9 August, 11am to 3pm
• Thursday, 11 August, 11am to 3pm

These build on two previous events in May this year.

The project will see the creation of a new bus interchange to replace the ageing bus station, as well as new cycle and pedestrian routes to make the centre of Swindon easier to access and move around. The current Fleming Way underpass will be removed and also trees and ‘bee-friendly’ plants added to create a welcoming route from the train station into the town centre.

The project business case, which secured a £25m contribution from central government, will help to increase land values and attract new commercial investment in the town centre. It also links to other Council-led work to unlock the regeneration of the adjacent 20-acre site (Kimmerfields) to support new homes, offices and a cultural quarter.

The drop-in events will include information on pedestrian and motorist diversions as well as where Swindon Bus Company’s temporary bus stops will be during the period of construction.

The scheme got underway in April at the western end of Fleming Way with the closure of the former Cheltenham Street car park. This will become the area which will accommodate the National Express coaches and the Salisbury and Oxford bus services when complete.

Councillor Gary Sumner, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Strategic Infrastructure, Transport and Planning, said: “As part of over £100 million of Council-led investment in the town centre over the next three years, this project will rejuvenate Fleming Way as the gateway to the town centre. Upgrading public transport connectivity, creating new cycle and pedestrian routes as well as creating a greener and more welcoming public space for all visitors.

Backed by a Government-approved business case, these improvements will also help attract new commercial investment in Swindon town centre, by increasing land values and helping to unlock the regeneration of the 20-acre site at Kimmerfields.

I’d encourage the public to attend one of the drop-in events to find out more, including how your journeys may be affected by the full closure of Fleming Way from 04 September.”

Ben Power, Project Manager at Colas, added: “We are delighted to be supporting Swindon Borough Council’s Fleming Way project to upgrade the public transport connectivity and provide new cycle and pedestrian routes to the town centre.

“The drop in events provide a great opportunity for the public to find out more about the scheme, as well as the diversions and temporary bus stops that will be required during the construction period.”

To stay up to date on the Fleming Way improvements, sign up to the dedicated newsletter at www.swindon.gov.uk/newsletter and to find out about more projects in the town centre, visit www.swindon.gov.uk/towncentreregeneration

For those unable to attend, the information will be published on our website and updates provided on social media.