NEW CGIs reveal how Fleming Way will be transformed into a £33m ‘bus boulevard’ fit for the future.

The huge regeneration project, which Swindon Borough Council hopes will act as a catalyst for future investment in the town centre, is a step closer to taking off after the appointment of the contractor for the scheme.

Colas, which delivered the Birmingham Airport runway extension among other high-profile infrastructure projects, will begin work on a new bus interchange and gateway into the town centre later this year.

It comes as part of a £25 million investment from the government which the council hopes will ‘kick-start wider benefits to town centre and increase Swindon’s economic productivity by £28.7m over the first 20 years." 

Swindon Advertiser: Fleming Way in Swindon town centreFleming Way in Swindon town centre

The council said in a Facebook post: “Everyone knows Fleming Way is dated and in need of a major upgrade, the underpass alone is around 60 years old and no longer fit for purpose.

“The town centre needs to change if it’s to bring in new investment and our transformation of Fleming Way is expected to increase surrounding land values by £34m, encouraging investment in the area.”

The scheme will see Fleming Way completely transformed to accommodate all bus services in the town. It will include a new public open space on the north side with a green central spine to increase biodiversity.

The new facility will replace the ageing bus station and will also feature much-improved pedestrian and cycle routes, while the removal of the current Fleming Way underpass will create an attractive and welcoming route from the train station into the town centre.

Swindon Advertiser: New plans for Fleming WayNew plans for Fleming Way

Cabinet member for infrastructure, transport and planning, councillor Gary Sumner said:

“This scheme is so important for the area because it will help unlock wider regeneration.

“In recent times, the low land values have made it less attractive to investors and developers, so we are using government funding to improve the local area and make it a place where they want to invest.

“We are effectively giving the rejuvenation of the town centre a kick-start, helping us bounce back strongly from the shift to online retail and the pandemic.”

Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SWLEP) contributed £3m to progress the design of the scheme together with the necessary site investigations and utility diversions. The council’s cabinet also approved a contribution of £5m in capital funding to the project.

Swindon Advertiser:

An initial phase of the scheme was completed at the end of last year with the demolition of The Parade car park just off Fleming Way.

Executive sirector for Colas Sean Jeffery said: “I am delighted that we have secured this exciting opportunity to work with Swindon Borough Council in delivering their vision for a greener more accessible solution in Swindon Town Centre. I am confident that the Colas team will deliver a great project.”

To find out more about the project and other schemes in the town centre, visit here.