SIGHTS are being set on development of the former library building in The Circle after Swindon mayor Teresa Page finally cut the ribbon on the road’s £1.2m retail development.

The shopping parade, a focal point of Pinehurst, was knocked down by Swindon Commercial Services (SCS) last year to make way for three new stores and two new flats.

One Stop convenience store has been trading since August 7, with hairdresser Good Company 2 welcoming clients since September 16 and Pinehurst Fisheries fish and chip shop aiming to open on September 30.

Now ward councillors and residents have turned their attention to the former library, the final project on The Circle.

Coun Ray Ballman (Lab, Gorse Hill & Pinehurst) said: “We have to make sure it’s distinct from Pinetrees.

“There are a number of things that could be done with it, but the important thing is it doesn’t clash with Pinetrees in any way.”

Coun Carol Shelley (Lab, Gorse Hill & Pinehurst) said: “I would like to see the building remain.

“It’s iconic, it’s been there a long time. As long as it’s got a use.”

Staff at One Stop have had a chance to assess what issues, if any, there are with the development.

Workers and shoppers have pointed to anti-social issues with youths congregating around the front of the store.

Tina Dunn, shift manager with One Stop, said: “Boredom seems to attract kids to the door here.

“There is very little for them to do and they seem to enjoy hanging around out the front. It does put people off coming in when they are hanging around.

“They are very intimidated by it. They pretty much stay away at night-time now.

“I have heard the police are trying to put a dispersal order in place.”

SCS moved onto the original site in August 2013 and began flattening the old shopping parade, which had stood since the 1930s.

While the units were out of action, One Stop operated out of the former library site across the road, the hairdressers continued in the former CAB building in Linden Avenue and the fish and chip shop declined a temporary home in a mobile unit.

The mayor, Coun Teresa Page (Lab, Penhill & Upper Stratton), said: “This is great and again what the housing department at our borough can do.

“This is great for the area.”

Coun Emma Faramarzi, cabinet member for housing and public safety, said: “It is great for the local community that this new development has now been completed and I am pleased that local people have a nice, modern shopping area on their doorsteps.

“The council is committed to improving neighbourhoods across Swindon and this scheme complements the investment we made in the nearby Pinetrees Community Centre.”

The community centre opened in December 2011