AFTER a Swindon businessman suggested that Regent Circus’ could be used as a music venue, Adver readers had their own suggestions for the mostly-vacant site.

Cineworld closed its doors earlier this month, leaving Nando’s and the Boom Battle Bar as the only permanent fixtures of the leisure complex, along with a pop-up shop from Swindon and Wiltshire Pride.

Old Town Business Association chairman Kris Talikowski wondered whether the former home of Morrisons could be turned into a space for gigs and performances, and encouraged “inventive thinking”.

He added: “There is appetite for it. It’s just engaging the right people to make it happen.”

Several Adver readers supported the idea.

Sara Dommett said it would get “bigger and better bands and live acts in Swindon” and “more money in for the food business and local hotels. Think about it properly, council”.

Cas Roberts suggested moving the Wyvern Theatre there as “with all the eateries there, it would be a great venue and perhaps even encourage some bigger acts/stage shows”.

Noel Derbs added: “Remodel the site into a multipurpose venue along the lines of a motorway service station, where you can walk through various cafes and restaurants under cover with a mixture of concession stands similar to the outlet but on a smaller scale, in addition having a mezzanine floor to accommodate more attractions.”

Jillian Perry had a range of ideas: “A recreation centre, swimming pool, ice rink, and room for an indoor market, though it will probably just end up being flats as the community doesn't seem to get heard.”

Veronique Stevens said: “It’s such an important site to link Old Town and the town centre.

“A destination for entertainment (music/ shows) and food would be great.

“Maybe look at Newport Market for inspiration.

“So many local crafters that would be happy for a flexible space to showcase their work.

“Many young talents in performing art, dance, music in Swindon. Incorporating a flexible space for them to showcase their work and gain stage experience would also be great.

“Looking forward to the Swindon Fringe coming soon. Whatever we do, let’s be ambitious about the Plan. Swindon is ready for it.“ Paul Godfrey added: “Turn the cinema into four or five small theatres for comedy and small plays, open up the old Morrisons to an indoor market and the restaurants can reopen with the footfall from the acts and plays in the new small theatres.”

Becky Poole wants to move the ice rink from the Link Centre in West Swindon to Regent Circus.

Anthony Sharps cheekily suggested reverting it back to its previous purpose as a college campus, while Andy Freegard pondered whether a Speedway track could be built there, and Anthony Jackowski wants a casino.

Leanne Newman said: “Make it into a swimming place, move the Oasis to there, at least they can do work there.”

Spencer Allen added: “Turn the bottom into different food places with alfresco dining, create a great atmosphere.”

Felicity Mackney had grander plans for the wider area: “Re-develop the rest of Swindon town centre so it's a place people actually want to go, then it will be worthwhile for business to exist here. Or...flats?”

Jodie Lockey said: “Do something like bubble planet that they have in London. Need more things to do with the kids here.”

Steven Barefoot said: “Firstly they have to stop building all the outlet villages bring all the store back into the town centre to kick start some life back into it, then if they are thinking of a new entertainment venue, house it there.”

Simon French said: “Free parking would be a start.”

Claire Jones said: “A youth centre with arcades, a sweet shop, better flood places like Wingstop.”

Mike Allen said: “With all the empty units it would have been good as the museum and an arts space.”

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