New Swindon redevelopment masterplan to be drawn up

A new masterplan for the redevelopment of Swindon is to be drawn up in light of changing economic circumstances.

Forward Swindon is leading the regeneration of the town on behalf of Swindon Borough Council.

The company's chief executive, Ian Piper, said it was felt that the plans needed to be "refreshed" and "new opportunities looked at".

More than 40 locals took part in a public meeting to discuss ideas on Thursday.

'Not materialised'

Mr Piper said: "It was felt that particularly given the economic circumstances that we needed to refresh that plan, to look at new opportunities.

"Some of the opportunities we thought were going to come along in the old plan have not materialised."

A Forward Swindon spokeswoman added: "It's not replacing planning policies, it overlays them and brings out the priorities."

Another public meeting is to be held on Tuesday and the outcome presented on 7 March.

The proposals will then be presented to the community.

Plans for an 850-space car park and a block of 45 apartments in Swindon town centre were approved by council planners last month.