Swindon is set to take centre stage at one of the UK’s largest investment and regeneration events as council leaders prepare to pitch the town to major developers and infrastructure firms.
Swindon Borough Council’s inward investment team will travel to Leeds next week for the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF), where thousands of investors, developers and government representatives are expected to gather.
The annual event attracts more than 16,000 delegates from across the property, infrastructure and finance sectors, including global investment firms, pension funds, banks and regeneration specialists.
Council representatives will use the summit to present a new investment prospectus outlining Swindon’s ambitions for sustainable growth and large-scale regeneration.
Central to the pitch will be Swindon’s location along the M4 corridor and its transport connections to London, Bristol and Cardiff.
The council says the town’s established business base — including firms such as Nationwide Building Society, Zurich Insurance, RWE and Thermo Fisher Scientific — demonstrates Swindon’s strength in sectors including financial services, advanced manufacturing and innovation.
Officials will also highlight the town’s growing role within the defence technology sector, with several drone companies recently announcing plans to establish operations in the borough.
Among the major projects being promoted is Knowledge Central, the large regeneration site beside Swindon railway station.
The scheme has the potential to deliver up to 4,000 homes alongside commercial development, research facilities and a new innovation district.
The council will also showcase opportunities at Kimmerfields near Fleming Way, where further residential and commercial development is planned around the town’s proposed new entertainment venue.
That venue recently secured £20 million in Government funding and is expected to form a major part of future town centre regeneration plans.
Matt Peachey, Swindon Borough Council’s Director of Inclusive Growth, said the summit provided an important opportunity to promote the town nationally.
“Swindon is a town with a proud history and an exciting future,” he said.
“Our new investment prospectus sets out a clear vision for sustainable growth, backed by real opportunities.
“UKREiiF gives us the perfect platform to showcase everything Swindon has to offer.”
Council officers are expected to meet developers, investors and infrastructure partners throughout the three-day event as they seek to attract further investment into the borough.
