PLANS have been put forward to give the Orbital Shopping Centre a makeover to make it more customer friendly.

British Land, which owns the shopping centre, has said the multi-million pound proposals will deliver a quality and modern shopping experience.

The Orbital, which has 15 shopping units including Asda and Next, draws people in from across the town and surrounding area.

The focus of the plans will be on increasing the ease with which customers can get to the centre and their experience once they arrive.

The plans, which have been submitted to Swindon Borough Council’s planning department, include improving the flow of pedestrians and cars around the park as well as increasing the number of crossings.

Public areas are set to be enhanced with more street furniture and there will be more toilets, along with changing facilities. The biggest change will be the construction of a new customer service centre, along with several cash machines.

British Land says the investment is a sign of its commitment to the centre and making it a focus for North Swindon. James Honeyman, of British Land, said: “These plans demonstrate our continued investment in Swindon which will release the park’s full potential. We are committed to enhancing Orbital Shopping Park so that spending time here is an even better experience for our customers.”

Justin Tomlinson, the MP for North Swindon, has been working with British Land for a while in his capacity as co-chairman of the retail group in Parliament.

He said: “I have been working very hard with British Land to push for these significant improvements. The Orbital is vital for local residents and the local economy, and I am delighted with this investment.”

Residents will be able to view the plans at a public meeting being held by British Land later this month.

The news has also been welcomed by local councillors.

Coun Toby Elliott (Con, Priory Vale) is pleased that a key asset to the community would benefit from extra investment.

He said: “I am thrilled to see British Land recommitting to the Orbital Shopping Park; the shops and services are vital to the local community and it is really welcome that they are investing heavily into this site to bring it up to date." 

He added he was looking forward to seeing the plans at the public meeting at North Swindon Library, on Tuesday, November 25, at 7pm.