THE MULTI-MILLION pound regeneration of Marlowe Avenue is a real boost to the community, according to its residents.

Work continues on demolishing shops in the Walcot street, with much of the block now reduced to rubble.

A block of 24 flats will go in its place with the homes built to a very high environmental standard, helping to reduce future energy costs for residents. Some will also be specifically designed for those with special needs.

The flats above the shops, which is part of phase one and was completed in July, are expected to be advertised next week and should be ready for occupancy by the end of this month.

A council spokesman said: “Work is on track and the development will be completed later this year.”

The project, which stalled last year when the council’s preferred developer pulled out due to the effects of the credit crunch, has already seen a new shopping centre built with all four units occupied and open for trade.

Antonia Mazzotta owns the hairdressers Phaze One in the new parade of shops, and believes the development is a real boost to the area.

“The new development is so much better, it has really brightened up the place and it’s really nice,” she said.

“It’s a bit sad because the old shops had been there for eight years but we have all moved over apart from the McColl’s store, which is new.

“All the owners of the shops get on so well and it is definitely a great central hub for Walcot.”

The plans to regenerate the shopping parade had a mixed reaction from neighbours when it was announced in the summer of 2009.

But one resident who lives opposite the development said: “This is definitely an improvement on what used to be there.

“It has changed a lot since I have been here – I remember when it used to be one field.”

For more details about the scheme log onto: www.swindon.gov.uk/housing/regeneration/marloweavenue.