Transforming Swindon

Swindon is a key location in the South West for the creation of new communities. At the beginning of the decade the Government began to investigate ways of planning, funding and building housing to achieve an Urban Renaissance throughout the UK to alleviate local housing pressures and provide for modern, affordable and sustainable housing. A £38 billion long-term action programme to create sustainable communities was launched.

New Growth Zones

A substantial programme of house building has already led to major developments in Swindon taking the town’s population from its current level of about 180,000 up to 250,000 by 2026.

The Northern Development Area at Abbey Meads and Haydon developed as Priory Vale comprises almost 600 hectares of land and will accommodate some 23,000 people. With 6243 completed houses by April 2006, from an anticipated 9,000 dwellings, the Northern Development Area will continue to be the chief source of housing completions in the Borough for several years. Its development is guided by a series of framework plans, which interpret the provisions of a master plan for the whole area.

The Southern Development Area recently named Wichelstowe located between the town and the M4 motorway has been identified as the most appropriate area to accommodate at least 3,800 houses, schools a village centre and a country park, to follow on from the Northern Development Area. Development of Wichelstowe commenced in mid-2006.

Town Centre Transformation

In the centre of Swindon, - The New Swindon Company - an urban regeneration company - is making great strides to improve the infrastructure and develop a town centre that meets the demands of a modern and growing town.

Regional Strategy

As a designated Principal Urban Area in the South West Regional Spatial Strategy Swindon is key to the continued population and economic growth of the region.