Plans to open four new community hubs across Swindon, designed to bring services closer to where people live, will be considered by the borough council’s cabinet next week.
If approved, the hubs would be developed during 2026 by Swindon Borough Council in partnership with residents, community organisations and public sector bodies. Each hub would be shaped around local needs rather than following a single, standardised model.
The council says the aim is to make it easier for residents to access support by offering a local, welcoming place where different services are brought together under one roof.
Councillor Jim Grant, cabinet member for communities and partnerships, said the hubs would help simplify access to support.
“These hubs are about making it easier for residents to get the help they need, close to home, in places they already know and trust,” he said.
“By bringing organisations together in the heart of our communities, people can drop in, have a conversation and get the right help at the right time.”
Over the next year, the council plans to test the approach in four locations, with the offer at each hub evolving based on feedback from residents and partner organisations.
While services will vary by location, the hubs are expected to provide access to housing and homelessness prevention advice, employment and skills support, youth and community services, health and wellbeing support, and financial and welfare advice, including Citizens Advice Swindon.
The council says there is also potential for involvement from NHS teams, community health providers, schools and the police, depending on local needs.
The hubs form part of the council’s longer-term move towards a prevention-first approach, aimed at supporting residents earlier and reducing the need for crisis intervention by different services.
Following analysis of local data and early engagement with communities, four existing community buildings have been identified to pilot the scheme. These will operate alongside existing services, with libraries continuing to function as normal.
The proposed locations and opening times are:
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Park Library and Reuben George Centre, Park South – February 2026
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The Meadows, Penhill – March 2026
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Central Library – April 2026
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West Swindon Library – later in 2026
The council says around half of Swindon residents live within a 20-minute walk of one of the four sites, all of which are accessible by public transport.
Each hub will launch with an initial offer, which will be reviewed and adapted over time based on ongoing feedback from residents, community groups and partner organisations.
