The Grand Plan For Old Town 

And maybe, just maybe, this time it's going to happen...

 

It's long, long overdue but sometimes the best things are worth waiting for.

 

And if the plans unveiled this week for the redevelopment of the former Locarno building in Old Town come to fruition, then Swindon will finally have an historic heart it can be truly proud of.

 

In a joint partnership between Swindon Borough Council, Forward Swindon, English Heritage and Swindon Corn Exchange Limited (who own The Locarno) a draft planning brief has been designed and presented for public comment at the Arts Centre.

 

 

"It's been a real collaborative approach because all parties know this area of Swindon desperately needs and deserves redeveloping," commented Steve Rosier, who has helped lead the plans.

 

"This sets out our aspirations for the site and is the first crucial step in attracting the types of retail and restaurant names we want here in Swindon."

 

Catalyst for change

 

The Council's vision for the Locarno includes the possible demolition of adjacent buildings such as The Forum (currently HSBC), and the Mason's Lodge behind, as well as the major refurbishment of much older, listed parts of the High Street.

 

The view from Newport Street

 

"The development should be seen as a catalyst for change in Old Town where vacant or poor quality buildings form part of a broader regeneration," added Mr Rosier.

 

"This is a massively positive step. Just redeveloping the Locarno as one entity isn't enough. This is a grand plan for a key part of Swindon we can all work towards and make happen."

 

The consultation continues until 24 September.

 

Official approval for the plans will be decided at a full Council planning meeting in early October.

 

The Old Town Hall & Corn Exchange

Public Exhibition

The Arts Centre

30 & 31 July 2013

 

 

Watch SWTV Video

 

See below for the history of the Locarno and the people of Swindon's attitude to it when we asked them on video.