The company responsible for the management and promotion of Swindon's town centre has been given overwhelming backing by businesses in the area to continue. 

Private not-for-profit organisation Swindon BID will continue supporting the area for the next five years after winning 80 per cent of the vote.

As a result the organisation now says £2 million of private investment will now go into 'the heart of Swindon's town centre'. 

Director of inSwindon BID Anita Bellinger said: “The businesses have given us the opportunity to enhance, promote and champion the Town Centre for the next five years, in a fresh, new and creative manner, with our community at its heart.

"I would like to thank all our remarkable BID Members and partners, for not only showing their support for the work we have undertaken and are committed to carrying on, but for seeing the wider picture and investing in the bright future for the town centre."

This vote marks inSwindon BID's fourth term, something that was welcomed by Swindon Borough Council.

Cabinet member for culture, heritage, leisure and town centre experience, councillor Robert Jandy, said: “It is no surprise to have inSwindon back for a fourth term. Successes can be built on the achievements of the past.”

The organisation is now hoping to carry out what it says is its '2022-2027 Business Plan' and its fourth term starts on April 1.

Chair of inSwindon board Ian Larrard said: “This is a great opportunity for inSwindon BID to now implement our 2022-2027 Business Plan, a considered document that reflects the wishes of our businesses, partners and the community. Through our initiatives, commitment, and care for the heart of the town we can make Swindon Town Centre even better for workers, residents and visitors.”

The support of the town centre business community was particularly valued as the global pandemic and lockdowns have caused huge challenges.

Swindon Borough Council is planning to invest more than £100m in the town centre over the next four years to help it bounce back.

Speaking in January, council leader David Renard said: “Swindon is well placed to recover quickly and we are already seeing signs of that locally with a number of new businesses opening up over the last few months, which is really positive.

“Our town centre will need to adapt over the next few years and become a place where people come to meet and socialise as well as shop.

“Over the next four years, the council is leading over £100m of investment in public realm improvements and regeneration projects within the town centre to increase land values and make Swindon more attractive to potential investors."