A STATE-OF-THE-ART car park in the town centre was officially opened yesterday morning in what is hoped to be the first stage of a town centre regeneration.

The Whalebridge car park has 850 spaces, designed wider than many of the others in Swindon, and there are indicators on each level letting drivers know how many bays remain.

Coun Garry Perkins (Con, Shaw), the cabinet member for economy, regeneration and culture, said: “This is a positive day for Swindon.

“It is a good-looking building that helps to bring up the whole area. People now coming into the town centre from that direction will get a great first impression of Swindon.

“People working nearby or shopping can now park in a convenient location.”

There are plans to demolish several surrounding car parks, including the Wyvern Theatre’s, over the coming months before the next stage of development will begin.

“The underpass near Debenham’s will go as the area is pedestriansed and new office space is put up along with shops and restaurants,” said Coun Perkins.

“In the new year we will start talking with residents about the new traffic plan so we make sure we get the changes right.”