• Swindon & Wiltshire Economy
• Tuesday November 12 2024
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Swindon Railway Quarter set to be one of UK’s largest brownfield regeneration projects

Plans to create one of the UK’s largest brownfield regeneration projects in the heart of Swindon was discussed by a group of civic and business leaders last week.

The Swindon Knowledge Central project would build on the investment in the town by the government body UK Research and Innovation, and green technology centre iCAST – a joint venture between the Universities of Oxford and Bath.

The new Swindon Railway Quarter Redevelopment Board has been formed to consider how the land could be repurposed to provide a new commercial, educational and residential quarter providing hundreds of new houses and thousands of jobs, whilst retaining essential car parking next to the station.

The inaugural board meeting was held recently, with Heidi Alexander MP chairing and partners – including Swindon Borough Council, Business West, Network Rail, LCR Property, GWR, Homes England, the Department for Business and Trade, UK Research and Innovation, and the University of Bath in attendance.

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 project is part of the wider Heart of Swindon vision for the regeneration of the town centre.

‘When Swindon grows, Britain’s economy grows’

Emma Walker (Network Rail); Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser (UKRI); Daniel Round (Network Rail); John Wilkinson (Western Gateway); Heidi Alexander MP (Swindon South); Matt Griffith (Business West); Cllr Jim Robbins (Swindon Borough Council); Mark Hopwood (GWR); Colin Skellett (Business West)

Jim Robbins, leader of Swindon Borough Council said: “The Board is determined to seize this huge opportunity to transform the area around Swindon station which has the potential to create new high quality jobs and homes within the Heart of Swindon.

“There is real momentum after the completion of the first phase which saw the Council’s co-investment with the Universities of Oxford and Bath in a new national R&D centre in green technologies at the Carriage Works.

“This project is just one of the ways that private and public sector partners are collaborating on a shared vision to create a vibrant future for Swindon town centre.”

Heidi Alexander MP 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.”

Robin Dobson, director of Network Rail Property, said: “Swindon Knowledge Central represents a great opportunity to transform the centre of this well-connected town, delivering jobs, housing and economic growth through one of the largest regeneration projects in the UK.

“A station redevelopment would sit at the heart of this work and deliver the connectivity and customer experience demanded by a thriving business community.”

Ottoline Leyser, chief executive of UK Research and Innovation said: “UKRI is proud to be headquartered in Swindon and excited about the plans for Swindon Knowledge Central.

“Collaboration is essential to drive excellence in research and innovation. This project offers the opportunity to bring innovative companies and public sector organisations together in high-quality spaces to create a thriving community, connected both locally and nationally.”

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