Bus station may help transform town's regeneration

John and Carol Tavener said the transformation of Swindon's bus station has been worth it

A new transport hub has been hailed as a "building block" for regeneration.

Swindon's bus station at Fleming Way officially opened on 31 August, after a £33m face-lift which took three years.

Chris Watts, of Swindon Borough Council, said 40 different bus services now use the new and improved site: "There are buses landing and taking off on this 'runway' more times than you see planes in Gatwick. It's a complex operation, but they do a fantastic job, " he said.

The council now hope the new bus station could entice new businesses to the area.

The new stops dotted across Fleming Way are labelled with letters

On Fleming Way, bus-users have praised new covered shelters, digital information boards and greenery.

Emily Cuthbert, who has lived in Swindon for 30 years, said: "I think it's a great improvement to the town centre and opens the whole place up. The old bus station was disgusting, it was embarrassing for people to arrive in Swindon there."

John Tavener, who had travelled into Swindon from Stratton St. Margaret, said while the transport hub is much larger than its predecessor, he did not find it hard to get around.

He added: "I am visually impaired, so I find the new large letters on the bus stops very useful."

Navneet Kaur said the new bus station is "good thing" for the town

Navneet Kaur said the hub has solved some problems: "I use the bus often and am very happy to see this, I do feel safer using it, it is a good thing for the town."

Meanwhile Tim Ryan, pushing his bike down Fleming Way, suggested there could be more access points for cyclists to enter and leave the transport hub. But he added: "Generally speaking though, I am quite happy with it."

Mr Watts said all feedback from Fleming Way's first month of operation will be taken into account.

Recent incidents of vandalism, including a broken bench are being promptly investigated thanks to CCTV on site.

Chris Watts, of Swindon Borough Council, hopes the new bus station will entice businesses to the town

The Fleming Way project, which faced lengthy delays, cost £33m - with £25m from central government, £5m from the council and £3m from the South West Economic Partnership.

"This is all part of building the heart of Swindon and making this an economic engine room for the borough again," Mr Watts explained.

"From small acorns, grow big trees. I'd say to people, give us time and we'll see more wonderful things in Swindon's town centre."