Work starts this month on a a £3 million upgrade project to enhance the pedestrian route from Swindon Station into the Railway Village.
The focal points of these improvements will be London Street and Sheppard Street, where the majority of the funding will be spent on the pavement in front of the Carriage Works which is set to be widened, trees planted and the space outside the Bristol Street tunnel improved with new railings and planting.
Fergal Contracting Co. Ltd has been appointed by Swindon Borough COuncil to oversee the work, with the construction commencing on Monday, 25th September.
Key features of this revitalisation project include:
1. Widening of Pavements: The area in front of the Carriage Works will undergo a significant transformation with the widening of pavements. This expansion will create a more pedestrian-friendly environment.
2. Tree Planting: The addition of trees along London Street and Sheppard Street will infuse greenery into the urban landscape, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the area.
3. Bristol Street Tunnel Area: The space outside the Bristol Street tunnel will undergo an upgrade, featuring new railings and additional planting to create an inviting atmosphere for passersby.
4. Sheppard Street Enhancements: A pocket park will be established outside the Sheppard Street underpas that connects North Star with the town centre.
5. Drainage Improvements: Both the Sheppard Street and Bristol Street underpasses will see drainage improvements, ensuring better water management in the area.
6. Creative Lighting: A new creative lighting design is set to illuminate the Sheppard Street underpass, making the space feel brighter and safer, fostering a welcoming environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
During the majority of the project, the road will remain open, ensuring minimal disruption to daily life. Nighttime closures will be scheduled towards the end of the project for essential resurfacing. The underpasses will continue to be accessible to pedestrians and cyclists throughout the construction process.
To accommodate these enhancements and maintain road access, residents who use the parking bays on London Street will be provided with suitable parking alternatives in the Bristol Street car park whenever their usual spots are unavailable. Additional signage will be deployed to inform residents of parking bay availability.
Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Heritage, Art and Culture, said: “The Railway Village is a great historic part the town and I’m keen for more people to know and appreciate it. Making the tunnels more attractive will create better connections between the town centre and areas north of the railway line like New College and the Outlet Centre, increasing footfall through the Railway Village.
“We’ve already seen great regeneration at the Carriage Works and GWR Park and I’m very pleased to see us continue the improvements with these two key underpasses and roads, which will create a safe and welcoming travel routes for both cyclists and pedestrians.”
Where you can see the plans?
Residents and local businesses are invited to view the site plans in The Bakers, Emlyn Square, Swindon between 11.00am and 1.00pm on Wednesday, 13th September and Wednesday, 20th September.
Swindon Borough Council will also be holding an information event at The Bakers for local residents and businesses on Wednesday, 20th September between 4.00pm and 6.00pm.
