Swindon is an ‘economic powerhouse’ says cabinet member

When Swindon Borough Councillor Garry Perkins addressed the town’s Chamber of Commerce last Friday, it was after just an hour’s sleep. The cabinet member for Economy, Regeneration and Skills had been at the election count at the Oasis until 5.30am, to see Swindon return two Conservative MPs and an increased majority at a local level, from three councillors to five.

“It’s always better when you win,” he told his audience.

Cllr Perkins had been invited to outline the Political Vision for Swindon for the Next Five Years. Describing Swindon as an ‘economic powerhouse’ – a phrase used a lot during this election – he said that the town had attracted over half a billion pounds of public money towards redevelopment – the largest amount outside of London.

He reminded business leaders that the most ambitious plans took seven to ten years to reach fruition. The redevelopment of the Oasis will be going through planning next month, he sad, while Kimmerfields – already underway with the opening of a new multi-storey car park – was a five-to-six year project.

The pedestrianisation of Fleming Way and the building of a new bus station is happening, although “it will be 2016 before you see any diggers on the site,” while a new office block will “create 3,500 new jobs.”

Meanwhile, the council is working with Network Rail to turn listed railway works buildings into a business village.

“There’s a lot happening in Swindon,” he said. “Swindon is an economic powerhouse. It’s the fastest-growing economy in the region.”

The next Swindon Chamber of Commerce business breakfast will be held at the Marriott Hotel on Friday, June 12, from 7.30am, when international speaker Dylis Guyan will present 21 Surefire Ways to Find Ideal Clients.

For more information, or to book a place, log on to www.thamesvalleychamber.co.uk/events