Union Square -Swindon’s renaissance moves a step closer
Swindon’s renaissance moves a step closer
Union Square (now known as Kimmerfields)- Swindon’s renaissance moves a step closer Muse Developments has submitted an Outline Planning Application to Swindon Borough Council for the regeneration of a vital and large part of Swindon town centre.
The multi-million pound mixed-use Union Square application includes 450 stylish new homes; 600,000 sq ft of high quality employment space; provision for a new Primary Care Trust; a 100-bed hotel; 145,000 sq ft of amenity retail, café and restaurant accommodation; and improved transport infrastructure, including a new bus station and new car parking facilities, all set within an important new network of streets and public space.
The masterplan will be delivered in phases starting with a detailed planning application for Phase One, on the former police station site, submitted to Swindon Borough Council in the next few weeks. That application will seek approval for two residential buildings and a superb multi-storey car park.
“Extensive and collaborative thought has gone into creating an imaginative0 and vibrant vision for this new gateway entrance to the town centre” said Doug Finlay of Muse Developments. “It is sited in an ideal location providing a genuine extension to the town centre and connecting the railway station, new bus station and the main shopping area.”
The masterplan has been fully supported by the owners of the Union Square site, the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).
Ian Piper, Chief Executive of Forward Swindon, the body co-ordinating the role of Swindon Borough Council, SWRDA and the HCA in the scheme, welcomed the submission:
“This is the next important step in the ongoing regeneration of Swindon. The Union Square masterplan promises to give the town centre an active Central Business District, something it has lacked for a long time. The new infrastructure and the quality of the architecture in this development will make Union Square the destination of choice in Swindon.”
Clare Hennessey, Area Manager at the HCA added: “Union Square aims to bring huge benefits to Swindon in terms of the quality of housing, shops and offices it delivers, as well as new jobs and improved transport services.
The masterplan has been shaped by extensive consultation with key partners and local residents, which has resulted in strong support for the exciting proposal that has been put forward. We will continue to work with the partners to support the delivery of the Union Square project.”
Preparations for the Union Square development are already underway, with improvements being made at Whalebridge Roundabout which will pave the way for the creation of a new gateway to the town centre and support wider improvements to the neighbouring area.
Contact:
Simon Lawrence
0845 262 0138 / 07502 474 940
Notes to Editors
1. The Union Square development is being delivered through a development agreement between Muse Developments, the Homes
and Communities Agency (HCA) and the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA). Forward Swindon Limited is
coordinating the public sector’s involvement in the scheme.
2. The lead partner is Muse Developments. Muse is one of the country’s leading names in commercial development and urban regeneration. A national developer – with regional operations in London, Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow – Muse is part of Morgan Sindall Group plc, a leading UK construction and regeneration group operating through five divisions of construction and infrastructure, affordable housing, fit out, urban regeneration and investments.
3. An outline planning application for the Union Square masterplan hasnow been submitted to Swindon Borough Council. Detailed planning
applications will be subsequently submitted for each phase of the scheme, beginning with Phase One in May 2011.
4. For more information and current images please visit www.unionsquare-swindon.com.
10/05/2011