The preferred developer for the first stage of the major regeneration of Swindon town centre has been announced. The company is Modus which built the Windmills shopping centre in the West Midlands and is currently working on a new shopping centre for Newport in South Wales.
The decision to chose Modus was made by Swindon Borough Council which is working in partnership with The New Swindon Company to modernise and bring new life into the town's centre.
Modus was chosen from a shortlist of four companies for the £80 million scheme which will involve homes, shops, leisure facilities, a hotel and underground car park. A mix of quality food retailers and restaurants will also be part of the scheme.
The five-acre site includes two acres of council-owned land on Granville Street which has long been allocated for town expansion in the Local plan.
The proposals by Modus are part of the main regeneration plan which will bring new shops, leisure facilities, offices and homes to the area, changing the face of Swindon town centre over the next few years.
The council will now enter into further negotiations with the company to finalise the terms of the proposed Development Agreement. It is expected that a schedule of key events will be available by mid-June when further details will be released.
Extensive consultations will take place during the summer with stakeholders.
The regeneration of the town centre is at the heart of Swindon Borough Council's policy. This is particularly important to the leader elect Councillor Roderick Bluh who holds the council's regeneration portfolio.
The Deputy Leader of the Council, Roderick Bluh, said: "This is the first stage of what will be a major change for the better for the people of Swindon. We want to give our residents the town centre they deserve with excellent shopping and leisure facilities, homes and offices. We have pledged to make things better and we are keeping our promises.
We are particularly impressed with the vision Modus has offered for the regeneration of the town centre. We believe that this will put Swindon back on the map for retailing and we look forward to working with them."
Last year the Council unveiled 50 Promises to the community. This scheme forms part of Promise 35 which says: "Working alongside the New Swindon Company, the town centre will be regenerated into a vibrant heart of the town and borough. It will include a new library, unique shopping environment with a market square and new leisure, commercial and residential facilities."
Peter James, Chief Executive of The New Swindon Company, is enthusiastic about the scheme.
He said: "Modus have provided a compelling design which integrates well with the existing townscape and sets the quality standards for the other regeneration projects planned for the town centre."
Cllr Justin Tomlinson, "The Conservatives have made town centre regeneration a key priority. Everything must be done to improve our shops and facilities, once again to put Swindon firmly on the map."