Plans for Swindon train station redevelopment take a step forward

Plans to redevelop land around Swindon train station, which will be one of the UK’s largest brownfield regeneration projects, have taken a step forward with the project’s first board meeting.

Heidi Alexander MP has chaired the inaugural board meeting for the Swindon railway quarter redevelopment. The project, Swindon Knowledge Central, supported by Business West, focuses on the redevelopment of land around Swindon station.

The board has formed to consider how the land adjacent to Swindon railway station could be repurposed to provide a new commercial, educational and residential quarter, while retaining essential car parking next to the station.

The town’s station is a Network Rail priority for regional regeneration, following successful collaborations to upgrade Bristol Temple Meads and Cardiff Central stations. ​

The board will focus on expediating projects and unlocking development.

Alexander said: “The formation of this board is a real milestone. Change will obviously not happen overnight, but we’re at a really exciting stage where we have a firm commitment from key public sector partners to making things happen and a genuine appetite from leading businesses.

“There are very few places in the country that enjoy Swindon’s enviable location, and obvious opportunity – less than an hour from London on the train, a stone’s throw from the country’s leading higher education institutions and plentiful land in public ownership – in the heart of town.

“Creating a strong new commercial and residential district next to the railway line and giving Swindon a station we can be proud of is essential if we are to breathe new life into the town.”

Colin Skellett, chair of Business West, said: “This Government has made it clear that sustained economic growth is the only route to improving prosperity. When Swindon grows, Britain’s economy grows. Private sector finance is critical for economic growth, and we are fully focused on securing that investment to make this project a success. Business must take a lead in partnership with the public sector because government can’t do it alone.”