A large part of the Parade outside of the former Debenhams in Swindon town centre has been fenced off.

Swindon Borough Council has now revealed that this is part of construction work to make the area 'nicer for residents and visitors'. 

The local authority confirmed that work on this had started, and was being done as part of the Fleming Way rejuvenation, which will see the area transformed into a 'main gateway for Swindon town centre'. 

A council spokesperson said: "Enhancing the public open space around Fleming Way is a major part of the ongoing improvements that will create a new public transport hub and improved cycling facilities.

"Now, the next phase of the public realm upgrade in The Parade outside Debenhams has begun.

Swindon Advertiser: The Parade area outside Debenhams is going to be 'improved'

"When complete, new paving and landscaping will be installed, including planters that will be home to new plants and trees. It will make the area more vibrant and a nicer place for residents and visitors to the town centre to enjoy and spend time in."

All of the shops in the area will remain open and accessible throughout the works and access to the pedestrian route to the bus station will be maintained at all times.

A total of 166 new trees and over 23,000 plants will be planted as part of the Fleming Way scheme, as well as new cycle lane facilities that link up the main cycling routes across the town.

The spokesperson added: "Back in December 2020, the Government approved a thorough business case and agreed to pay 75 per cent of the costs of a major upgrade of Fleming Way, as the main gateway into Swindon town centre.

"The project is one part of the transformation of the area that will help to stimulate further investment in the town centre by increasing land values and making it more attractive for investors to bring forward new homes, offices, shops and leisure facilities.

"It has already been a catalyst for investment with Zurich pointing to the regeneration as a key reason why it wanted to build its new office block, Unity Place.

"FI Real Estate Management has also spent £7m upgrading its office block at the Tri-Centre, while plans to transform the former Debenhams store and Falcon House above it were influenced by the improvements currently taking place."