Residents are being asked for the views on plans to improve Swindon town centre.

Swindon Borough Council's cabinet has approved plans to create a vision for the 'Heart of Swindon,' which aims to transform the town centre in future years.

The council has outlined eight ambitions in a draft document, which are the result of a coordinated effort by the council to seek the expertise and input of partners, including key landowners, developers, educational institutions, government agencies, and businesses.

Read more: Ambitious Heart of Swindon plans to be put to public

The partners have told the council that developing such a framework would be invaluable in mobilising effort and guiding the future investment needed to help Swindon town centre transform from a past dominated by retail to a future destination where people live, work, socialise, and study.

The council now wants to hear what residents think about the vision.

The vision is already being discussed at the fully-booked 'Let's talk Swindon' events being held across the borough, but those unable to attend are now being encouraged to send in their views.

Any comments should be emailed to the council by Friday, December 22.

Councillor Jim Robbins, leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: "I think everyone would agree that our town centre, like many across the country, has suffered in recent years due to a change in our shopping habits and the decline of major high street retailers.

"I know residents are also frustrated that there has been a lack of meaningful regeneration in the town centre for a number of years.

Read more: Thousands attend Old Town Christmas Festival in Swindon 

"We need to completely rethink our town centre offer and what it will provide residents in the future.

"But the council cannot do this alone, which is why the vision for the 'Heart of Swindon' has been created with the help of the town centre’s major landowners, government departments, our partners in the education sector, and local businesses.

"Crucially though, we want to hear what local residents think of the eight ambitions contained within the vision and that they can feel part of this journey to reinvent the town centre.

"If you get the time, please look through the document and send us any thoughts or comments so we can feed this into the final version."

A dedicated webpage has been created where residents can easily access the 'Heart of Swindon' document, see a short breakdown of the eight ambitions, and email the council their opinions on the vision and what they feel is missing.

Help support trusted local news

Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/subscribe/

As a digital subscriber, you will get:            

  • Unlimited access to the Swindon Advertiser website        
  • Advert-light access             
  • Reader rewards             
  • Full access to our app