PROPOSALS to change the road layout at Regent Circus went on display to the public for the first time yesterday.

Representatives from Swindon Borough Council’s Transport Planning team held a consultation at the Central Library to seek the views of residents over plans to improve the road network for buses and pedestrians.

The proposals include a bus lane that will run continuously from the eastern end of Commercial Road to Princes Street.

In addition, the council claims there will also be enhanced facilities for bus passengers and improvements for pedestrians through the widening of footways.

Ben Staite, Swindon Borough Council’s transport planning officer, said that public response had, so far, been positive.

He said: “These plans will help improve the general area around Regent Circus, with the main aim of supporting the bus network.

“It has always been a key policy of the council to support the regeneration of Regent Circus and we are sure that these changes will have a positive impact for everybody.”

The proposals form part of the Quality Bus Corridor between Wichelstowe and Swindon town centre, via Old Town and Mannington, and, the council claims, will also benefit users of the wider bus network in Swindon.

The council wants to remove the guard railing and kerbing between the layby opposite MECA for the bus stops and the carriageway.

They also want to reduce the Regent Circus carriageway width from three lanes to two, which would enable a new section of bus lane to be introduced. The lay-by facility which serves the existing bus stops will be retained.

A new bus lane would continue onto Princes Street to connect with the existing bus lane in place up to the junction with Fleming Way at Whalebridge. There will be one lane retained for all other vehicles.

A Swindon Borough Council Spokesman said: “The broader town centre regeneration policy, set out in the Central Area Action Plan of February 2009, recognised the role Regent Circus can play in supporting the town centre.

“Its location at the juncture of Old Town and Swindon town centre makes it an ideal location for a welcoming gateway space that accommodates a bus interchange and improved facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and taxi users.”

Another drop-in consultation session, intended to give the public the opportunity to look at the plans, discuss the proposals, and make any comments, will take place in the foyer of the Central Library 10.30am until 1pm today.

Everyone is welcome to attend.