'Ugly' bus station set to be demolished

Swindon's old bus station is being knocked down to create space for a new entertainment venue

Demolition of an old bus station branded "an eyesore" will take place next month.

Jim Robbins, leader of Swindon Borough Council, hopes the site at New Bridge Close can become an entertainment venue.

A proposal for the site, drawn up by specialist entertainment architect Stufish, the company which built the ABBA Arena, suggested the cost of the new venue could be about £35m.

Mr Robbins said: "We're looking forward to getting rid of an ugly, old building. We're aiming for [demolition] at the end of next month and to have it all done by Christmas."

Mr Robbins says talks are under way on how to fund the new venue

The council leader claims interest in the new entertainment venue is "very strong".

However, details on how the venture will be paid for have not been confirmed.

Mr Robbins continued: "We are working through how we get the funding for it.

"The key thing is, let's get the bus station knocked down over the next few months and then we will be ready to get going with the next part which is the entertainment venue."

Down at the old bus station, Swindon locals have shared their views on the future of the site.

The old bus station is poised to become an entertainment venue - once funding is secured

Tamara Wiebols, 48, and John Lenton, 62, say the entertainment venue plan will work only if there is ample "investment" to support it.

"It could be a really good plan," said Ms Wiebols. "Swindon needs something like that.

"The theatre in Oxford and Bristol attracts a lot of people so it should do the same for Swindon as well."

Mr Lenton said: "Lots of things are moving forwards slowly, it's just the investment isn't it. The town itself needs lots of more investment, we need better shops and companies to be moving here."

Ms Wiebols and Mr Lenton are hopeful for the future of the old bus station

Meanwhile Lyn Everett, 65, said: "The old bus station has been an eyesore for a long time.

"It [the arts venue plan] would be a lovely gesture, but you'd need a lot of parking… it's going to take some money."

But she is still hopeful for the future of the town.

Ms Everett added: "We're a lot better than some places. I've been here 12 years and I'm staying, it's what you make it."