Visitors to Swindon’s town centre have been debating one of its latest developments.

Work continues to transform the look of Falcon House, found above the long-vacant Debenhams which is itself set to be turned into a self-storage store. 

The move, approved by the local council, comes after the department store’s closure in June 2020, leaving the building empty and occasionally occupied by urban explorers and military training exercises.

As well as the self-storage facility, when work on the Debenhams building is finished, it will also house four shop units. 

Away Storage Ltd’s plan to transform the space has sparked a flurry of mixed reactions from Swindon residents, reflecting broader concerns about the future of the town centre.

This development coincides with ongoing efforts to rejuvenate the area, including a new bus station aimed at improving transport links.

However, for many locals, the transformation of the iconic department store into a self-storage facility seems emblematic of the decline in Swindon’s retail landscape.

Robert Andrew Sell voiced his scepticism on social media, questioning the economic impact of the investment.

He said: "How will this 'investment,' along with a new bus station, generate millions in revenues for the few shops that still remain in the town centre?

"I can't see it myself. This is an exercise in the council ensuring their budget gets spent so they can justify it."

His sentiments were echoed by other locals who expressed doubt that the new developments would significantly boost foot traffic or revive the struggling retail sector.

Dan Gray was blunt in his assessment, stating, "Everything in Swindon town centre is an eyesore."

But Steve Kitching was more measured, he said: "To some - eyesore, to others history."

In fact, there were some defenders of the brutalist Falcon House structure, which is being undone by the new facelift being installed

Paul Eastham said: "Eradicated brutalism is sacrilege. Get yourself a dose of Le Corbusier, the Bauhaus movement, Frank Lloyd Wright etc. and understand how lucky we are to see some forward-thinking architecture. 

"Agree, some doesn't work and some is in the wrong setting, but we can't have art deco, gothic revival or pastiche everywhere."

Not all reactions were negative either. Some residents saw the redevelopment as a step in the right direction.

Councillor Daniel Adams, for instance, pointed out the potential benefits of bringing the building back into use.

He said: "Another disused building on the edge of the Fleming Way redevelopment being brought back into use. Great to see the public realm investments and transport link improvements already having a benefit in the town, and it’s not even finished yet."

Marc Godwin added: "About time, needs dragging into the future. The place is full of coffee shops, pound shops and derelict buildings, a complete eyesore, it won't attract anyone here."

Claire Sims, another resident, offered a more measured perspective, acknowledging the challenges but appreciating the effort. "Things are happening, it takes a lot of time and money. It’s better than seeing no attempt at all, I think."

Despite these pockets of optimism, the overarching mood remains one of scepticism and disappointment. Mark Levy, who lives in nearby Wroughton, shared that he has not visited the town centre in over 20 years, citing its deteriorated state as a major deterrent.

Others, like Gill King, suggested practical improvements, such as making the redeveloped area fully enclosed and enhancing parking facilities to attract more visitors. 

Sandra Hunt added: "Hope they start putting shops in there, perhaps independent small ones and put a market in there also."