Efforts to make Wichelstowe a hub for greener, healthier travel have been recognised on a national stage, with the development’s transport plan named among the best in the country.
The scheme has been awarded ‘Residential National Site of the Year’ at the Modeshift STARS National Travel Awards, highlighting its success in encouraging residents to swap car journeys for walking, cycling and public transport.
Delivered by Swindon Borough Council’s Swindon Travel Choices team on behalf of developers Wichelstowe LLP—a partnership between the council and Barratt Redrow—the initiative has steadily built a range of options aimed at making sustainable travel both accessible and appealing.
New residents are introduced to the scheme from the outset, with practical support including information packs, trial bus tickets and rail travel vouchers. There is also a ‘borrow a bike’ programme, giving people the chance to try pedal or electric bikes over several weeks, alongside discounts at local cycle retailers.
The approach has gone beyond simple infrastructure. Community-focused ideas such as guided walks, bike maintenance sessions and travel roadshows have helped foster a culture where active travel feels like the natural choice rather than the alternative.
Families, too, have been drawn in through more creative means. A digital treasure hunt launched over the summer encouraged exploration of the area, while the now-established ‘hedgehog trail’ continues to offer a gentle introduction to local walking routes, with scope to grow alongside the development itself.
The awards ceremony, held in London and attended by more than 200 delegates, celebrates organisations that demonstrate leadership in promoting everyday sustainable journeys, setting a benchmark for others to follow.
Rob Powe, Development Manager at Wichelstowe LLP, said the recognition reflects both progress made and ambitions ahead.
“It’s been a pleasure to be involved in this year’s sustainable transport initiatives,” he said. “This award highlights how far we’ve come, but there’s more to do, particularly as we look to extend the canal towpath and wider path network.”
Claire Fleming, Travel Plan Officer at Swindon Borough Council, said the accolade was a welcome endorsement of sustained effort.
“We’ve worked hard to ensure residents have strong access to sustainable travel options, and it’s encouraging to see that recognised nationally,” she said. “There’s still more we want to achieve, and we hope to build on this momentum across the Borough.”
As Wichelstowe continues to grow, the challenge will be maintaining that balance—ensuring new homes are matched by practical, well-used alternatives to car travel. For now, though, it appears the development is setting a pace others may look to follow.
