Swindon’s £350m regeneration project gets the go-ahead

The first phase of Swindon’s £350m regeneration of Union  Square is to start in the spring following the approval of plans to progress the scheme.

Swindon Borough Council’s planning committee have approved a planning application by Muse  Developments and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) to deliver the first stage of the project. Forward Swindon, the company responsible for economic growth and development in the borough, has facilitated the scheme on behalf of the council.

Councillors approved plans for one residential building comprising of 45 assisted living apartments and a high-quality 850 space multi-storey car park. The apartments will be operated by locally based housing group GreenSquare, which is funding the residential element with private finance and investment from the HCA and Swindon Borough Council. GreenSquare will own the new homes which will be managed by Swindon Borough Council initially for five years. The car park will be managed by the council when complete.

Doug Finlay development director at Muse, said:

“This approval is a significant milestone for the project and will ensure a start on site in the late spring. The total build cost for this first phase is around £25m, which will bring much needed investment into the town.”

Peter Jones, HCA head of area, added:

“This is a great result for the project and the regeneration of Swindon town centre. Now that planning permission has been achieved, the more visible work which will bring tangible benefits in the form of employment and investment in the town centre can start. Coming at a challenging time for the economy, I am sure this news will be welcome by people in Swindon.”

Chris Hitchings, director of development at Forward Swindon, said:

“This initial phase of development will begin to change the face of Swindon town centre. Around summer 2013, we can look forward to the first offices of Union Square start on site. It’s a great start to the year and everyone on the project is excited.”

Cllr Garry Perkins, deputy leader of Swindon Borough Council, said:

“This is further proof that the regeneration of Swindon town centre is moving ahead, and it’s even more impressive and positive when the general economic background is considered. For us to have such a major development taking shape in the town at the moment is a real statement about Swindon’s future potential, and it’s great that it is now ready to start.”

Muse Developments is a national developer with revenue of more than over £2bn, which operates through five divisions of construction and infrastructure, affordable housing, fit out, urban regeneration and investments. Forward Swindon is responsible for regeneration, economic growth and cultural development in the borough.