Swindon’s main gateway into the town centre is set for a dramatic transformation as a £33 million public transport interchange prepares to welcome its first passengers.
Councillors, local business representatives and bus operators were given a tour of the revamped Fleming Way ahead of bus services beginning on Sunday, 31st August.
Funded by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund (£25m), the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership’s Local Growth Fund (£3m), and Swindon Borough Council (£5m), the investment replaces the old bus station with a modern, accessible hub designed to improve journeys for bus users, cyclists and pedestrians alike.
The new interchange features more than 186 trees and 23,000 plants, along with spacious bus shelters offering wireless phone charging, digital departure screens and solar panels. Over 30 local and regional bus routes, including National Express, will operate from the site. Segregated cycle lanes now link the town’s two main cycle routes, providing safer travel for cyclists through the centre.
In the coming fortnight, contractor Colas will remove fencing and carry out final remedial works, while local bus companies train drivers on the new layout. Once services transfer to Fleming Way, the old bus station near Manchester Road will be demolished.
The regeneration has already drawn praise from major investors. Zurich cited the improvements as a factor in retaining its headquarters at Unity Place, while FI Real Estate Management invested £8.5 million in nearby Newbridge Square offices.
Councillor Chris Watts, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “Fleming Way has had a transformational impact on this part of the town centre. It’s a modern, accessible and green interchange that makes the area safer and more welcoming. This scheme has also encouraged local landlords to invest millions in their own properties, and I look forward to seeing that continue.”
Swindon South MP Heidi Alexander added: “As a born-and-bred Swindon girl, nothing gives me more pride than seeing this new public transport infrastructure. It sets the standard for regeneration in our town and demonstrates what perseverance can achieve.”
Stagecoach West Managing Director Chris Hanson said the interchange would “transform journey planning” for almost 1,000 weekly Stagecoach services, while Swindon’s Bus Company’s Ben Murray described it as “one of the region’s major transport hubs” and praised its accessibility and facilities for passengers.
With bus services set to go live at the end of the month, Fleming Way promises to be a focal point for the town’s ongoing Heart of Swindon regeneration vision, offering a safer, greener and more convenient gateway into the town.
