Row of Old Town shops could be revamped under plans

Arthur Dallimer, founder of William Arthur Property and the owner of 51 to 54 Devizes Road, has submitted plans to upgrade the forecourt area to increase the kerb appeal of the properties.

His proposals will now be considered by Swindon Borough Council planners.

Mr Dallimer hopes the upgrade, if approved, will help the existing businesses to attract more customers and grow. 

He said: “I want to improve the look of the properties, introduce planting and individualise the shops from the street, making them more attractive to passing shoppers and residents."

An artist's rendering of what Arthur Dallimer wants to do to the Devizes Road shops (Image: Arthur Dallimer)

“The area does look rather tired, paving slabs are cracked and broken, so I’m proposing high quality and attractive planters and small walls to create a more eye-catching and attractive frontage.”

Mr Dallimer is also working on Apsley House around the corner in Old Town which was the former museum and art gallery and is awaiting a council decision around his plans for that iconic Swindon building.

He also bought the £2.5 million Burderop House in December.

“Swindon means a lot to me,” Arthur said.

“It’s my home town and it has a huge amount to offer.

"I want to do my bit to bring a more ‘café style’ appeal to the Old Town area and I’m working hard to achieve that as well as bringing a historic building back into use."