Let's bring in the bulldozers (From Swindon Advertiser)

Let's bring in the bulldozers

1:10pm Wednesday 19th November 2008 in Search By Ben Perrin

THE diggers have been at work in Cavendish Square as the dramatic transformation of the area continues.

But fears are starting to surface that the faltering economic climate could hamper the completion of the scheme.

Phase three of the development in Park South will get under way in earnest next week.

That’s when demolition work will begin on the garages next to Whitbourne Avenue and the removal of the Cock Robin pub and the Co-Op store.

The buildings should then be down before Christmas with the completion of this stage of the site finished by the middle of next year.

The latest changes are expected to be significant, according to a Swindon councillor.

“We are still on target with the original plan from two years ago,” said David Renard, (Con, Haydon Wick), the cabinet member for health, housing and adult social care.

“The whole development is moving on apace.

“Stage three will be finished in the middle of next year, however it will depend on 75 per cent of the units being pre-let.

“There are expressions of interest but the current financial climate means the commercial and residential development may prove difficult to progress.”

Cavendish Square was built as the centrepiece to a council housing estate in the 1960s.

Just over two years ago work began on a plan to regenerate the area.

The plan was to improve the shopping centre, school facilities and to create new homes.

Developer Bellway is involved in the scheme, which will see the creation of 180 new houses.

An enlarged and restocked library and an advice point are some of the extra ingredients the new development will boast.

These resources have now been opened for six months.

A dedicated cycle route has also been placed near Oaktree School.

The three-year project is to be finished in stages, with completion of the residential blocks by autumn 2009.