WORK has started on the first stages of the Sussex Square regeneration project which will see new flats and shops built.

A block of flats has already been pulled down to be replaced with new ones and work has begun on the first commercial premises and car park, which are being built on the site of the former Bulldog pub.

A large amount of infrastructure is also required for the development, such as re-routing pipes under old roads, and this has also started.

It is hoped the replacement flats will be up by the end of the year, with the first commercial premises complete a month before.

Contractors Willmott Dixon Housing Ltd will then start work on the second phase of the commercial aspect of the regeneration at the start of next year.

Coun Emma Faramarzi (Con, Priory Vale), Swindon council cabinet member for housing and public safety, said work was well underway.

She said: “Sussex Square has been a really long project and it has been delayed but it’s now on track.

“I’m particularly keen on this project for a number of reasons. One is because the front is very close to one of the main routes into Swindon, and if we make this a really nice area visually it will be a good way to welcome visitors to the town.

“I’m really pleased that the community will be able to look forward to having new shops and better facilities there.

“In terms of development it’s on course to be completed on time and it’s in budget.

“A block of flats has been pulled down and construction of commercial units and a car park has now begun on the former Bulldog pub site.”

Coun Faramarzi added that Willmott Dixon Housing Ltd had also agreed to work with Swindon College and students would have the opportunity to get hands on experience working on the construction process.

There was a long wait for work to start on the £10 million project, with many parts of the square having previously stood derelict.

Originally built in 1958, the new project will see the construction of 34 houses and 14 flats, along with the retail units, ca rparking and landscaping. The plan is for everything to be completed by 2018.

Demolition specialists Lawson Group began the first phase of work pulling down a block of 18 flats in March.

Residents and business owners around the Square have welcomed the start to the work.

Shortly after work started, Peter Mallinson, chairman of the Walcot Charity Shop and Library, said: “The demolition of the flats has been completed now and there is just a flat space now where it used to be.

“In terms of the charity shop and library, we’ve just been told that the units to be built on the former Bulldog pub site will be completed by the end of August, meaning we will be able to move in.

“Now we’re just looking forward to moving in.”

Coun Abdul Amin (Lab, Walcot and Park North) also said he welcomed work starting.

He said: “I am confident regeneration work will be completed as smoothly as possible and hopefully the local residents won’t find much difficulty in coming in and out of Sussex Square.

“There are some concerns among the existing businesses. Obviously some of the businesses have been affected due to road closures.

“Overall we are happy and the residents are happy as long as the work continues and the regeneration is completed within the time frame.”