WORK to improve two key pedestrian underpasses, which connect the north and south sides of Swindon under the railway tracks, is getting under way this spring.

Improvements to the Great Western Underpass, linking Bristol Street to the historic Churchward quarter, started this week and will include the addition of 10 backlit artistic panels depicting rail workers.

The Hawksworth Underpass, which connects Sheppard Street to the Hawksworth Estate and the rest of North Star, will also benefit from improved lighting levels and cleaned-up walls.

Forward Swindon, the town’s economic development firm, says the tunnels have been ‘offputting’ for pedestrians, and the improvements will make walking between Swindon town centre and some key sites, on the other side of the tracks, feel much more pleasant and safe.

Chief executive Ian Piper, who is overseeing a town centre master planning process, said smaller-scale projects as well as major, long-term schemes, were important to improve Swindon.

“One of the issues to emerge from the master planning exercise so far is the need for improved connectivity between the north and south of the railway line,” he said. “These tunnels are used by commuters getting to and from work, or as a route between the two main shopping zones in the town. They represent relatively small-scale investments by Forward Swindon that will make a real difference to people on a daily basis.”

The project to improve Great Western Underpass, the former GWR workers’ tunnel, includes increasing lighting levels and installing the artwork along the length of the tunnel.

Artist Bruce Williams is creating 10 ‘Railway Worker’ stainless steel, backlit artistic wall panels to go on the north-east wall of the tunnel. On the opposite wall, 500mm-high stainless steel backlit letters will spell out Swindon Works.

Coun Garry Perkins, deputy council leader, who is also responsible for regeneration, said: “Not only will this improve the quality of hundreds of individual journeys every day, the artwork in the Great Western Underpass will remind people of Swindon’s railway heritage and the justifiable pride that thousands of workers had in the magnificent machines they created.”

Tina Cumpstey, centre manager at the Swindon Designer Outlet, said: “The renovation of the Great Western Underpass is a fantastic idea that will benefit all involved. It will allow for a pleasant and more importantly safe journey for customers who want to walk the short distance between both shopping zones.”

The two tunnels are due to be completed during April.