Town's Gateway Regeneration Unveiled

By Dave Woods
A major regeneration project is being planned for Swindon train station and the surrounding area.
The multimillion-pound scheme would see land around Swindon train station being redeveloped. which would transform a large brownfield site to create a district of homes and business space. Currently being called the Swindon Knowledge Central quarter, the scheme would see new changes to the railway station, including the disused Station Point office tower, with businesses and investment encouraged to coming to the town. It would also mean that a new car park would be created to the other side of the main railway line and a new accessibility bridge would be built to accommodate commuters.
Described as one of the main gateways to the town, the area has had some modifications over the years, including a royal visit by the then Duchess of Cornwall 4 years ago. But the office block known as Signal Pointe is now unused, and most of the windows boarded up, with many local residents calling it an eyesore.
Speaking to Hospital Radio Swindon, Dan Round, Network Rail’s Industry Program Director “The work that we're now doing is looking to how can we maximize that so we get investment into Swindon, and people coming to Swindon rather than people leaving Swindon, because it's so well connected. I think what we're trying to do here at the station is start to turn the table a bit and actually make Swindon a place where people want to come and live and invest and work, and, and enjoy a good social life, rather than just live and then leave each day and return of an evening. So, the station and the work that we're starting to do here, and we really are at the start of it, is looking at ways that we can we can do that.”
The regeneration scheme could be a catalyst for new investment and new businesses to come to the town according to Business West Policy Direct Matt Griffiths. “We think theirs is potential for Swindon. It's got amazing connectivity, both locally and into London.
(Swindon has) a really strong private sector, in terms of, companies like Nationwide and Intel, but some really interesting kind of innovative companies in things like green tech and pharmaceuticals, so the private sector demand there is there. What Swindon hasn't had is it tends to develop other business areas around Swindon rather than actually in the centre of town. Business West will to help promote the regeneration scheme as an opportunity, but also help private sector investors think, actually, we're looking for a well-located place close to some of the key things like London and universities and Heathrow and offer up an opportunity for them to have places to work. We think that's a real strong benefit. Swindon is, I think, the highest performing town outside of London in terms of productivity, but (Swindon) has to keep reinventing itself, keep investing. We think this is the project to enable that to happen”.
Swindon Borough Council will be working with Network Rail and Business West to undertake this 10- year project. Leader of the Council, Councillor Jim Robbins said he welcomed the plans and hoped Single Point would be one of the first of the changes with the scheme. “We're working with Network Rail and some of the other government landowners around the railway station. Really keen to see that drive forward. We know that the train station itself needs some love. We're all desperate to see Signal Point, get some work. So, I'm really excited that there's some opportunities for regeneration there and hopefully a plan for Signal Point to get some meanwhile use so that that's one of the first things that people will see change.
In a documentary aired on December 9, 2024, our Programme and Content Editor Dave Woods, looked at what is being proposed, the impact and benefits for the town, and reaction.
You can listen to the programme here:
https://www.mixcloud.com/DaveWoodsMedia/swindon-today-special-report/