SPECIALIST shops could soon be flocking to Old Town.

Under a new long-term plan, created to guide the development of Swindon for the next 20 years, Old Town has been earmarked as a niche shopping destination for the borough.

The plan says that the area's streets and open spaces should be spruced up and that the delicate balance' between daytime shopping and the area's lively nightlife, should be preserved.

"Look at Wood Street, it has independent retailers and is a vibrant little shopping area," said Coun Peter Greenhalgh, Swindon Council cabinet member for transport, highways and planning.

"For now we are focussing on the regeneration of the town centre, but this is about Swindon as a whole.

"Old Town plays an important part in that because it has unique character, which is something we will preserve.

"Some people may be cynical about this.

"But five years ago who would have thought we would now be looking at a £1bn town centre regeneration scheme?

"And the people of Swindon have been waiting 35 years for a central library. This administration is making sure that they get that. I think that proves that when we say we will do something, we do what we can to make it happen."

The proposals are included in the new Swindon Central Area Action Plan.

Drawn up by the council, the plan spells out how the regeneration of the centre of the town will work in the years to come.

As well as talking about the multi-million pound redevelopment of the town, the plan earmarks specific themes for areas around the centre.

North Star will become a base for education and leisure, the Railway Heritage Area, will fly the flag for Swindon's history and residential areas close to the town centre will see a raft of environmental improvements.

As well as a niche shopping area, Old Town will also be home to a nighttime economy.

If approved by Swindon Council the plan could be used to guide development until 2026.

The plan was debated during last week's meeting of Swindon Council's cabinet.

Coun Phil Young, cabinet member for economic development, said: "This is aspirational stuff," he said.

"It sets out the quality of development and design we wish to see, and the facilities to be provided which will drive the development of the town centre so we can all be proud of it.

"This is a good news report which will heavily support the regeneration of Swindon town centre."

And Swindon Council leader Rod Bluh said: "This is really important, because we all want to see those cranes going up as quickly as possible."

The document will go to full council later this month.