Swindon’s town centre, described as an “utter disgrace” by Swindon South’s Labour candidate Heidi Alexander, could soon see a much-needed transformation.
Alexander, who is looking to become Swindon’s newest Member of Parliament in the General Election on Thursday, 4th July, has announced plans to set up and lead a new town centre taskforce if she secures the seat.
In a video shared on social media, Alexander expressed her disappointment with the current state of Swindon Town Centre. She questioned the Conservatives’ claims of hundreds of millions of pounds of investment in Swindon after 14 years in power, stating, “Who are they trying to kid?” The video highlighted the town’s bus boulevard with no buses, empty shops, and derelict buildings as evidence of the area’s neglect.
With a background as a former Member of Parliament, Deputy Mayor of London, and a Cabinet Member for Regeneration in the London Borough of Lewisham, Alexander is well-equipped to lead regeneration schemes and deliver results. She has also set her sights on Network Rail, vowing to launch a campaign for action on Signal Point, the derelict building above Swindon station.
The proposed taskforce would unite the council, other public sector bodies, private property owners, traders, developers, and the wider community to create a comprehensive regeneration plan for the town. This plan would address short, medium, and long-term steps to reduce empty shop units, revitalise Swindon’s heart, and create a town centre fit for the 21st century.
Cllr Jim Robbins, Leader of SBC, welcomed Alexander’s commitment, saying, “We will only bring about real change in Swindon if we’ve got a Labour Government working hand in hand with a Labour council to realise the town’s potential.” The Labour Party has pledged to reform business rates to alleviate pressure on town centre businesses and grant more powers to local councils to take over empty and derelict buildings.
As the election approaches, Swindon residents can look forward to the possibility of a revitalised town centre under Heidi Alexander’s leadership. With a promise to “give our town its future back,” the time for a fresh start in Swindon may be just around the corner.
