A 25 MILLION plan which would help transform the town centre has taken a step forward.

Seven projects have been identified by experts from the public, private and voluntary sector in Swindon as the council bids for a share of the 3.6 billion Towns Fund.

Should it succeed, it would spend the money on making land ready for new homes and offices at Kimmerfields, regenerating the David Murray John Tower, creating a Brunel Centre market hall, refurbishing the Health Hydro, fitting out space at the Carriage Works to support the digital economy and upgrading the streets around the Railway Village.

These have been selected from 20 projects suggested by a dozen different organisations in response to a call by the council for suitable schemes. Swindon is one of 101 places invited to make a bid.

Richard Newland, chairman of the Town Deal board and a director at Nationwide Building Society, said: The board has done a fantastic job of pulling this investment plan together at such short notice because we recognise the importance of being one of the first places in the UK to submit a bid to the government.

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought many economic challenges and this funding would be a huge boost to Swindon and help to stimulate further investment in the town, creating jobs and greater prosperity for the people who live here.

We believe we have a strong bid and we will be submitting the investment plan to the government shortly.

The draft Town Investment Plan will be submitted at the end of the week and a decision by government is expected by the end of the year.

Whitehall asked that funding proposals should drive long-term economic and productivity growth through town centre regeneration and investment in connectivity, land use, economic assets including cultural assets, skills and enterprise infrastructure.

A report to the Town Deal board, made up of councillors, business people and members of the community and voluntary sectors started with praise for Swindons many accomplishments.

It read: If you bank with Nationwide, use Intel products, travel by train, fly in an A330, drive a Mini or a Honda Civic, have ever visited a National Trust property, watched Tim Peakes progress through space, or have simply benefited from scientific or medical research, youve probably got Swindon to thank.

But the report adds that growth has largely happened on the edge of town and says the bid will try and rectify this.

It read: Swindon is among the most productive towns and cities in the country, but little of the wealth generated in Swindon is retained in the town or its borough. Where Swindon has grown, this has been concentrated on its outer edges.

This has diminished the town centres role as the cultural, commercial, and civic heart of the town. It is now characterised by a relatively poor post-war built environment, vacant retail units, and several conspicuous undeveloped brownfield sites.

The seven places the money would be spent:

Project 1: Kimmerfields Enabling Infrastructure (6m)

Bringing forward further residential and commercial development to the north of the Parade shopping centre between Corporation Street and Fleming Way, and adjacent to the bus station. The Kimmerfields site would be serviced with new utilities infrastructure, estate roads and landscaping, and public realm and green space.

Project 2: Heritage Action Zone streets and spaces (3m)

The upgrade of a major thoroughfare from Swindon Railway Station into the Great Western Historic Area. This will create greater links between existing centres of economic activity in Swindon. Upgrading this route will involve public realm improvements along Station Road, Sheppard St and London Road, and improvements to the tunnels at Sheppard Street and Bristol Street.

Project 3: Health Hydro refurbishment (5m)

A complete refurbishment of the Health Hydro, one of two key Grade II* listed heritage assets in Swindons Railway Village. Facilities include a 33m pool, gym, exercise rooms, Turkish Baths and alternative medicine practitioners, all within a historic setting.

Project 4: Carriage Works regeneration (5m)

Expanding on the regeneration of the Grade II listed Carriage Works building, which is being restored as a business incubation centre and office space.

Project 5: Create Studios at Carriage Works (0.4m)

Fit out one of the new units at the Carriage Works to create a landmark media production facility, including film and sound studios, teaching and workshop spaces, a cafe and more.

Project 6: David Murray John Tower regeneration (5.5m)

Regenerating the town centres most significant landmark building. The office accommodation is now considerably dated with no prospect of a commercial let. The residential element (floors 9 and above) have seen some modest investment in infrastructure over the years but the building, requires a significant refit.

Project 7: Brunel Centre Market Hall (0.1m)

Creating a modern, vibrant market hall which will create opportunity for deli counters, creative industries, and artisan producers to benefit from a modern market feel and fit within a well-designed building.The market will support growers and producers and make the best of local skills.

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Seven ways Swindon town centre could be improved by 25m bid for government cash - Swindon Advertiser