Magic Roundabout revamp plan rejected

Councillors had hoped to improve the visuals of Swindon's roundabout system

A proposal to transform Swindon’s iconic Magic Roundabout into a tourist attraction has been rejected by the borough council.

The Magic Roundabout - five smaller mini roundabouts around a central island - recently won roundabout of the year.

Conservative councillors Kevin and Barbara Parry, proposed a motion encouraging the council to explore creating a unique attraction on the Magic Roundabout’s central island.

The Labour-run authority dismissed the suggestion citing the council's financial challenges.

The famous junction was named roundabout of the year

The Parry's idea involved schoolchildren designing characters, funded by local businesses, to make the landmark more engaging.

Mr Parry said: “When you say you’re from Swindon, people smile and mention the Magic Roundabout.

"It’s a brilliant piece of traffic engineering, but visually, it’s not very exciting.”

The councillor, representing Covingham and Dorcan, suggested the initiative could mirror Alicante’s Mushroom Street in Spain, where large sculptures drew visitors.

He also referenced Swindon’s successful “Swindogs” art trail and its Disney World twinning in 2010, adding: “Let’s put the magic back into the Magic Roundabout."

It was suggested sculptures such as 2023's Swindogs could boost the Magic Roundabout's appeal

However, council leader Jim Robbins dismissed the motion, citing a lack of funds and staff resources.

Mr Robbins said: “This isn’t something we can support.

“We understand the motives behind the motion and it’s a thing to do, but we don’t have the officer time or money to put into this.”

Mr Robbins said if someone were to come forward and offer to sponsor the initiative, the council would support it, but he reiterated that it was not a priority at this time for the council’s time or money when it was in significant financial difficulties.

The cabinet member for planning and placemaking councillor Marina Strinkovsky suggested another possible approach.

She said: “It doesn’t work as a motion, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t work as an idea.”

She encouraged the Parrys to collaborate with Magic Swindon, a local arts group behind events like Swindon Paintfest and the Festival of Tomorrow, to potentially bring the idea to life outside the council’s remit.