Swindon town centre could soon have a brand-new sports and activity hub, as the Council looks to breathe fresh life into an underused space.
Plans have been submitted to convert the top floors of Whalebridge car park on Islington Street into a community sports centre, offering a mix of sporting activities, recreational facilities, and even a space for street food vendors.
The proposal forms part of the Council’s Heart of Swindon vision, which aims to revitalise the town centre and attract investment over the next decade. By repurposing existing but underutilised spaces, the Council hopes to increase footfall, boost the local economy, and make Swindon a more attractive destination.
Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, explained the reasoning behind the ambitious project: “We want to transform the town centre into a bustling area that people want to visit, but we know that won’t happen overnight. Whalebridge car park is currently underused, so we want to make the most of this prime location, right next to the soon-to-be-completed Fleming Way redevelopment.”
If approved, the space could feature facilities for a range of sports, including cricket and pickleball, a rapidly growing game that has gained popularity in recent years. In addition to organised sports, the area could also become a hub for local communities, offering social and recreational opportunities in an urban setting.
The proposal is just one part of a wider effort to reinvigorate the town centre. The Council is encouraging local property and landowners to find creative uses for empty spaces, ensuring the town centre remains a vibrant and engaging place for residents and visitors alike.
Councillor Robbins pointed to Bristol’s transformation of a former Debenhams store into a skate park as an example of how unconventional projects can thrive. He hopes the Whalebridge sports hub will act as a catalyst for similar projects, inspiring businesses and landlords to rethink how they use their vacant properties.
“This is an outside-the-box idea, but we’ve seen it work elsewhere. It could make a real difference in providing much-needed leisure opportunities in the town centre while attracting more people to the area. Hopefully, it will also encourage landlords to consider the potential of their own properties.”
The planning application is currently awaiting approval. If given the green light, the project could mark a significant step forward in Swindon’s town centre regeneration efforts.
While the future of Whalebridge car park is still to be decided, one thing is clear—Swindon Borough Council is determined to think differently when it comes to shaping the town’s future.
