A NEW three-storey residential and retail building could be built in Cavendish Square.

The privately-owned land was due be bought back by Swindon Borough Council at the start of 2020 following a campaign by residents, but it fell through due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But now these plans have been submitted to by architect Ian Sullivan on behalf of G&D Estates for six retail units, 14 flats and 17 associated parking spaces.

Eldene and Liden and Conservative election candidate Curtis Flux said: “After many years of our community having the use of a half-complete, dangerous and underfunded shopping area, it is great news that the owner of the tarmacked area has submitted plans.

“We have also been assured that any dwellings on the site will include social housing, which is again welcome news.”

He added: “The current work happening will improve the ongoing drainage issues.

“We now need to ensure that our community is not let down once again and we are left with something we can all be happy with.”

The area was given to developer Leehampton in 2008 by the council.

The company planned to construct a new covered shopping centre but that fell through. And residents say the paving on the square, which often floods, was not properly constructed.

Bazil Soloman, Liden, Eldene and Park South councillor, said: “We have been pushing for this for two years so I’m really pleased.

“There used to be lots of pubs and shops but they got demolished so people want a better community area.

"It will lift the standard of living and it will improve the area.”

Swindon South MP Robert Buckland said: “This is positive news for the area, good for local residents and also for local businesses.

"There is still a great deal of work to be done, but this is a good step in the right direction.

“There is a need for further affordable shops and we will be contacting businesses such as Iceland and Farmfoods to highlight the opportunity that the Square would offer to them.”

There are some concerns over the effect the new plan could have on shops already in the square.

Cllr Janine Howarth, borough councillor for Liden, Eldene and Park South and parish councillor, said: “The money will be made on the flats rather than the shops and make the area worse if they’re empty.”

Steve Allsopp, councillor for Walcot and Park North, added: “People are concerned about the units especially because of the litter.

"We recognise that this plot of land is part of the original plans to make it more integrated but in the current market, it’s going to struggle.

“I don’t see it adding to the area. This probably won’t be social housing so they need to look at the affordability of it, is it meeting the need as there is a demand on the waiting list.”