Ambitious town plans not just 'glossy brochure'

Plans intended to transform Swindon town centre into a more vibrant place to live, work and invest are to go before the council next week.

The ‘Heart of Swindon’ document includes plans to build up to 5,000 new homes, changing the town's skyline.

In a move to encourage investment and business confidence Swindon Borough Council also intends to invest in a multi-million pound entertainment venue.

Residents are being asked to help finalise the document before the town centre is pitched to major businesses in London this January.

Councillor Jim Robbins, leader of Swindon Borough Council, said he is: "Determined the final vision document will not be another glossy travel brochure where we never arrive at the airport."

Swindon Borough Council is facing a revenue gap of £9m but Mr Robbins said investment in a multi-purpose entertainment venue, expected to cost in the region of £15m, is key to show potential investors there is confidence in the town.

He said the council are working with operators to find out how the venue can be funded in a "cost effective way".

"It'll means the council taking a bit of a risk on an investment in it but we know it's the right thing to do to show other investors that Swindon is a place that they want to put their money," Mr Robbins added.

The council hopes to secure "significant investment from the private sector" at an event held at the House of Lords in January.