IT’S full steam ahead for a £50m project at the old railway engineering yards at Churchward Village.

Work to transform the final section of the former Great Western Railway works into a mixed-use development has now started.

Thomas Homes completed the purchase of the eight-acre site, known as Smith’s Quarter, earlier this year and has planning permission for apartments, offices and a hotel.

The redevelopment forms part of a larger regeneration project, incorporating 138 acres off Kemble Drive.

The company is building 245 flats on the site.

Two Grade II-listed engineering sheds will also form part of the project as they are being converted into office space.

The last locomotive to be built at the GWR works was in 1962. Since then the yards have fallen into disuse but have gradually been redeveloped as part of Swindon’s regeneration scheme.

The original site now houses the headquarters of the National Trust and the National Monuments Records Office, as well as the Designer Outlet Village.

Property consultants King Sturge, acting for Carillon, sold the land to Thomas Homes David Spencer, of King Sturge, said: “The fact that work has now started is fantastic news as it forms an integral part of the regeneration of Swindon.

“It is a site of great historic importance and will provide a superb place where people will be able to live, work and relax.

“It is also good news considering the current economic status and we’re optimistic that businesses and house-hunters will like what they see.”

Thomas Homes’ director Chris Brotherton said the development was going well. He said: “We’re delighted to be on site. Churchward Village is a superb development in a great location surrounded by listed buildings.

“It is also something completely different for Swindon, bringing character close to the town centre.

“We have made a conscious decision to go ahead with this scheme despite the fact that these are troubled times.

“This is because we think that it’s a great location and that it’s bringing something new to Swindon.”