Plans for ski slope and concert venue explained to the public

PLANS for a new leisure complex at the North Star site have been given the thumbs-up by most people who have viewed them.

Developer Moirai held a consultation last month to show members of the public its proposal to build an indoor ski-slope, a 5,000-seat music venue and other facilities.

The company took on the site’s lease a number of years ago and there have been several hold-ups but it now says an application for the development will be in by the summer.

Coun Jim Robbins (Lab, Mannington and Western), the shadow lead for leisure, says he is excited by the plans but it is important to make sure Moirai sticks to its word.

He said: “I think the plans are very impressive and exciting.

“It is a huge opportunity for Swindon. We remain cautiously optimistic about everything.

“There are still a few doubts over Moirai’s track record as they have missed some previous deadlines.

“We are not in any way against this development but we want to make sure the application gets put in and everything can move forward.”

“It’s good they say they have deals in place with partners to run the facilities but we haven’t seen them, which I’d like to do, so we can have more confidence.”

A spokesman for Moirai says now work is being done on the Bruce Street Bridges and Great Western Way they hope to have everything completed in three years.

Plans for the development first went on show in 2012 and a few changes have been made following feedback.

The layout of the car parks has been changed to avoid long queues on surrounding roads and the arena has been moved further away from surrounding homes.

Coun Garry Perkins (Con, Haydon Wick) says the development will turn Swindon into a major regional destination.

He said: “This is an exciting development for Swindon and I am pleased that things are moving forward and we are close to seeing outline plans being submitted.

“The regeneration of the town was badly affected by the recession, but many millions of pounds are being spent on breathing new life into our town centre and this scheme is further evidence of the private sector seeing Swindon as the ideal place to invest.”