Regent Circus: What is next for Swindon's failed entertainment complex

The multi-million-pound complex has stood in Swindon since 2014 but was put forward for demolition after it struggled to attract tenants since its opening.

MCR Property Group, a Manchester-based property investment company, bought the complex in August 2025 and then submitted the application for its demolition.

The plans said it wanted to retain just the unit still used by the branch of Nando’s restaurants and the level walkway access to that unit.

The works were approved in January 2026 and now photos show only the front section of the complex, where the Nando's is, still standing.

Everything else: the cinema, the car park, the other café restaurant and bar units and the huge supermarket unit used by Morrisons until it left in 2019 have been knocked down.

Regent Circus demolition project. (Image: Lydia Barnes)

The company’s director of commercial property Martin Brown previously told a Local Democracy Reporter the company wanted to build something more suited to the area and future uses, which may include housing.

He said: “Across the UK, traditional high streets are changing, and the evidence shows that places succeed when people live in them, not just travel in and out of them.

“The existing buildings no longer align with modern town-centre needs, and this initial phase allows the site to be carefully reset and reimagined through a considered, residential-led placemaking strategy.

“Our ambition is to continue working closely with the council and local stakeholders to deliver long-term regeneration and a positive future for this important location.”

MCR Property also said it will continue to work with Swindon Borough Council about what might replace the buildings, and added: “Early thinking is focused on a mixed-use, walkable town-centre environment that prioritises high-quality public realm, strong connections and uses that support long-term economic and social resilience.

“A full planning submission is anticipated in 2026, following further design development and stakeholder engagement.”

As previously reported, the company has a history of buying and redeveloping, or finding a new use for, properties all over the country.

The website says the company “is a leading real estate investment and development firm with a diverse and dynamic portfolio spanning residential, commercial, industrial, student accommodation, and self-storage sectors".

Examples of the company’s work include Oxford House, near Aylesbury town centre. MCR Property Group has converted this office block into 151 flats and studio apartments.

Several of the sites in MCR’s portfolio are landmark buildings repurposed for modern business, like Windsor House in Harrogate, which was originally built in 1903 and the town’s Grand Hotel.

Therefore, looking at some of its current holdings, Regent Circus could become commercial property, housing, student housing or a mixed commercial and residential development.

The complex was estimated to have cost developers Ashfield Land around £50 million to build and replaced the derelict Swindon college site.

When it first opened shoppers were met with an extravagant welcome by street entertainers who invited locals to explore a six-screen cinema, a supermarket and five restaurants.

The property investment company has been approached for comment about any update to the plans.