Swindon is set to benefit from a £19.5million investment to regenerate the town, as part of the Government's commitment to levelling up across the Country.
The funding is one of 45 Town Deals announced by the Chancellor as part of the 2021 budget. Town Deals are at the heart of the Prime Minister’s commitment to levelling up our regions. Town Deals put local people in charge, allowing for improvements to transport links and broadband connectivity, as well as providing vital social and cultural infrastructure.
Swindon’s Town Deal will allow regeneration by revitalising existing heritage sites – such as: the Carriage Works, Health Hydro and Brunel Centre Market Hall.
In addition to this, Swindon’s 'Streets and Spaces’ project will allow for better connectivity by better linking the station to the town’s heritage assets and the commercial centre, benefitting local residents and visitors alike.
Swindon Town Fund Board was established to work together on the town’s bid. Both Swindon MPs, cross party councillors, and Swindon Borough Council officers - as well as other stakeholders such as Nationwide, the National Trust, and Historic England - worked collaboratively to highlight Swindon’s potential and outline how the funding could benefit the town.
Richard Newland, Chair of Swindon Town Deal Board, said:
“We have been offered funding for the vast majority of the projects in our Town Investment Plan which is a fantastic result and a great reward for all the hard work the Board, Council and support team have put in. This is excellent news for Swindon as these projects will make a real difference to the town centre and help it thrive in the future.”
North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson said:
“This is excellent news which highlights the Government’s commitment to levelling up across the country. Along with South Swindon MP Robert Buckland, I have been working closely with the Swindon Town Fund Board, local Councillors and stakeholders, as well as ministers, to promote Swindon’s bid. I will continue to do all we can to ensure that Swindon remains a priority for the Government.”
