Big plans to redevelop the area around Swindon’s train station have taken a significant step forward.

The first board meeting for the Swindon Knowledge Central scheme discussed how to turn more than 100 acres of brownfield land into a new commercial, educational and residential quarter which would create thousands of new jobs and hundreds of new homes while retaining essential car parking next to the station.

Partners including the Council, Network Rail, LCR Property, GWR, Homes England, Department for Business and Trade, UK Research and Innovation, University of Bath, Business West, and Western Gateway are working together on the project.

(Image: Swindon Borough Council)

It will follow existing research investment and assets like UKRI, and the iCAST joint venture between the Universities of Oxford and Bath which is located at the council’s regenerated Carriage Works.

The new scheme aims to capitalise on this and attract further private-sector investment.

Council leader Cllr Jim Robbins said: “The board is determined to seize this huge opportunity to transform the area around Swindon station which has the potential to create new high-quality jobs and homes within the Heart of Swindon.

“There is real momentum after the completion of the first phase which saw the council’s co-investment with the Universities of Oxford and Bath in a new national R&D centre in green technologies at the Carriage Works.

“This project is just one of the ways that private and public sector partners are collaborating on a shared vision to create a vibrant future for Swindon town centre.”

The project supports the government’s economic growth focus and housing and development agenda and is also one of the propositions within the council’s Vision for the Heart of Swindon document which will be discussed at Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting.

(Image: Dave Cox) South Swindon MP Heidi Alexander chaired the inaugural meeting.

She said: “The formation of this board is a real milestone.

“Change will not happen overnight, but we’re at a really exciting stage where we have a firm commitment from key public sector partners to making things happen and a genuine appetite from leading businesses.

“There are very few places in the country that enjoy Swindon’s enviable location, and obvious opportunity - less than an hour from London on the train, a stone's throw from the country’s leading higher education institutions and plentiful land in public ownership - in the heart of town.

“Creating a strong new commercial and residential district next to the railway line and giving Swindon a station we can be proud of is essential if we are to breathe new life into the town.”

The town’s station is a Network Rail priority for regional regeneration, following successful collaborations to upgrade Bristol Temple Meads and Cardiff Central stations.

The board will focus on expediating projects and unlocking development.

Business West chair Colin Skellett added: “This government has made it clear that sustained economic growth is the only route to improving prosperity.

“When Swindon grows, Britain’s economy grows. Private sector finance is critical for economic growth, and we are fully focused on securing that investment to make this project a success.

“Business must take a lead in partnership with the public sector because government can’t do it alone.”

(Image: Dave Cox) Robin Dobson, Network Rail Property director, said: "Swindon Knowledge Central represents a great opportunity to transform the centre of this well-connected town, delivering jobs, housing and economic growth through one of the largest regeneration projects in the UK. A station redevelopment would sit at the heart of this work and deliver the connectivity and customer experience demanded by a thriving business community."

Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, Chief Executive of UK Research and Innovation, said “UKRI is proud to be headquartered in Swindon and excited about the plans for Swindon Knowledge Central. Collaboration is essential to drive excellence in research and innovation.

“This project offers the opportunity to bring innovative companies and public sector organisations together in high-quality spaces to create a thriving community, connected both locally and nationally.”

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