Consultants have come up with a long term plan to reshape the heart of Swindon to provide a 'world class' environment for work, learning and leisure and people have the chance to comment at the end of November and in December, (see below)

Commissioned by Swindon Council to contribute to a strategic plan for development over the next 30 years, urban planning consultants and architects Shillam and Smith propose a framework to improve shopping, cultural activities, education and opportunities for work and housing in the town centre.

The project identifies a series of zones which will be linked by an ultra light rapid transit tram system (ULRT) from Regent Circus to North Star. At the southern end of the scheme, the new Regent Square close to the Wyvern Theatre and the Town Hall, would become a focus for entertainment and cultural events with a multi-screen cinema, a gallery for Swindon's acclaimed collection of 20th Century art, cafes and a long awaited permanent library. A large concert hall is not considered a priority.

Regent Street including the Brunel Centre and the Parade would remain primarily a retail area, but developments to include new side alleyways and shopping courts would be encouraged.

The consultants propose creating a new combined rail and bus station at Station Square, to the west of the existing sites, to provide a transport interchange for the ULRT.

At the northern end of the redevelopment area, reached by a number of new, well designed tunnels under the railway line, a Learning Park is to be created at North Star. The Science Research Councils have long established headquarters there, Swindon College has plans to relocate all its operations and the University of Bath has welcomed the opportunity to build part of its Swindon campus on the site. Also featured in this area will be a new urban 'Zen' park and the rebuilding and extension of the Oasis leisure centre.

The major roads at Fleming Way and Princes Street which border the main shopping area would be rebuilt as boulevards, with kerbside parking, removal of the central barriers, and safe pedestrian crossing points.

The town centre will also become more of a residential area with apartments and housing being introduced as part of the commercial schemes. The consultants believe another 20,000 people could live or work in the central area which would create a more dynamic, alive atmosphere.

They propose new roads around Old Town so that it can be developed as a pedestrian friendly, professional services and niche retail area. The ULRT would extend into Old Town and could provide a rapid public transport system from residential areas in West and North Swindon.

Council leader Sue Bates said, "these are extremely exciting proposals which contribute greatly to our vision of Swindon's development over the next 30 years. I believe many of the projects can be achieved within a few years such as the university and the relocation of Swindon College. I would like to see the tram system put in early to give impetus to the overall plan. By providing an easy to use rapid transit system, people will be encouraged not to bring cars into the town centre, thereby creating a more pedestrian friendly environment."

The cost is estimated at £350 million and will come from private sector investment, public-private partnerships and contributions from the council and regional development agencies.

The council is organising four seminars where Swindon people can view the plans and express their viewpoints on the proposal. They take place on:

Wednesday 15 November, 6.30pm to 8.30pm

Thursday 16 November, 1.30pm to 3.30pm

Thursday 7 December, 1.30pm to 3.30pm

Thursday 7 December, 6.30pm to 8.30pm

To book a place, call Robert Bruce at Swindon Borough Council planning department on 01793 466326.

The Swindon 2039 report can be inspected in council libraries and the planning offices at Premier House, Station Road. and Wat Tyler House, at the Civic Offices