FI Real Estate Management (FIREM), the developer and asset and facilities manager of The Brunel, is set to unveil exciting new redevelopment plans at a public consultation and exhibition event on 17 and 18 July.
The proposed residential-led, mixed-use redevelopment of 44-54 Canal Walk will consist of two residential towers, with multi-use leisure space on the ground floor accommodating restaurants, cafes and other commercial leisure uses. A ‘pocket park,’ a much welcomed green space, will also be created off Farnsby Street.
The high-rise towers being proposed are currently up to 20 and 24 storeys in height and totaling up to approximately 280 one and two bedroom apartments. There is also provision for a number of resident amenities including a rooftop garden above the first floor leisure space, lounge area, private dining, meeting rooms and co-working spaces.
It is envisaged that up to approximately 30,000 sq. ft of leisure space will breathe new life into the town centre’s evening economy and act as an anchor for the southern end of the centre, making it more accessible and appealing for residents to use particularly around Wharf Green. The redevelopment will also provide the opportunity to enhance the current shopping arcade.
The proposals include the redevelopment of the House of Fraser store. The retailer has not committed to extend its 12-month lease when it expires towards the end of the year, but FIREM has confirmed that they would welcome the opportunity to relocate the store should House of Fraser wish to continue trading in The Brunel.
A spokesperson for FI Real Estate Management said: “We are hugely excited about our plans to regenerate and make better use of this prominent site by working in partnership with Swindon Borough Council, our tenants, businesses and the local community. The retail landscape of town centres is rapidly changing and it is crucial that we adopt an innovative approach to meet the demands of people in Swindon. This emerging scheme will be subject to further discussion with the local planning authority following the consultation feedback and prior to submission of an outline planning application. We very much look forward to hearing the public’s views and feedback at the event.”
In addition, a much-needed public greenspace will be created in place of the concrete access ramp that currently serves the units, benefiting shoppers, residents and workers alike.
The proposals include the redevelopment of the House of Fraser store. The retailer has not committed to extend its 12-month lease when it expires towards the end of the year, but FIREM has confirmed that they would welcome the opportunity to relocate the store should House of Fraser wish to continue trading in The Brunel.
Those interested in knowing more about the proposed re-development should attend the public consultation and exhibition which are as follows:
Venue: Unit 15, Ground Floor, The Arcade, The Brunel Shopping Centre, SN1 1LF (next to the mall entrance of Buzz Gym)
Date: Wednesday 17 and Thursday 18 July 2019, 1.30pm – 6.30pm
All members of the public are welcome to visit the exhibition to view the plans and talk to the developers and their technical team.
Details of the scheme proposals can be viewed at www.fi-bruneldevelopment.com from 17 July 2019 and the website will also contain a feedback form to submit comments on the plans.
The scheme has been designed by Ellis Williams Architects and planning consultants WYG hope to submit an outline planning application on behalf of FIREM by the end of the summer.
FI Real Estate Management (FIREM), the developer and asset and facilities manager of The Brunel, is set to unveil exciting new redevelopment plans at a public consultation and exhibition event on 17 and 18 July.
