Swindon Railway Quarter Redevelopment: Heidi Alexander Holds Inaugural Strategic Board Meeting

Amy Drummond
12 November 2024

  • “Swindon Knowledge Central” will be one of the UK’s largest brownfield regeneration projects 
  • New board to oversee development includes Network Rail, Swindon Borough Council, LCR Property, GWR, Homes England, Department for Business and Trade, UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), University of Bath, Business West, Western Gateway.
  • Project supports the Government’s economic growth focus, and housing and development agenda

Heidi Alexander MP has chaired the inaugural board meeting for the Swindon railway quarter redevelopment. The project, Swindon Knowledge Central, supported by Business West, focuses on the redevelopment of land around Swindon station and will be one of the UK’s largest brownfield regeneration projects. 

The Board has formed to consider how the land adjacent to Swindon railway station could be repurposed to provide a new commercial, educational and residential quarter, whilst retaining essential car parking next to the station.

The project supports the Government’s economic growth focus, and housing and development agenda. It aligns with Swindon’s local priority to Build a Better Swindon, which places a focus on transforming central Swindon into a highly desirable place to live, work and visit. 

Swindon has an outstanding economic record and potential, with one of the most productive economies in the UK. It is an area where innovative, knowledge-based industries are growing quickly and driving economic development.

Swindon’s existing research investment and assets include UKRI, and iCAST, a joint venture between the Universities of Oxford and Bath. Swindon Knowledge Central aims to capitalise on this and attract further private sector investment.

The town’s station is a Network Rail priority for regional regeneration, following successful collaborations to upgrade Bristol Temple Meads and Cardiff Central stations. 

The board will focus on expediating projects and unlocking development. 

Heidi Alexander MP said “The formation of this board is a real milestone. Change will obviously not happen overnight, but we’re at a really exciting stage where we have a firm commitment from key public sector partners to making things happen and a genuine appetite from leading businesses.

There are very few places in the country that enjoy Swindon’s enviable location, and obvious opportunity - less than an hour from London on the train, a stone's throw from the country’s leading higher education institutions and plentiful land in public ownership - in the heart of town. 

Creating a strong new commercial and residential district next to the railway line and giving Swindon a station we can be proud of is essential if we are to breathe new life into the town.”

Colin Skellett, Chair of Business West, said: “This Government has made it clear that sustained economic growth is the only route to improving prosperity. When Swindon grows, Britain’s economy grows. Private sector finance is critical for economic growth, and we are fully focused on securing that investment to make this project a success. Business must take a lead in partnership with the public sector because government can’t do it alone.”

Cllr Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council said “The Board is determined to seize this huge opportunity to transform the area around Swindon station which has the potential to create new high quality jobs and homes within the Heart of Swindon. There is real momentum after the completion of the first phase which saw the Council’s co-investment with the Universities of Oxford and Bath in a new national R&D centre in green technologies at the Carriage Works. This project is just one of the ways that private and public sector partners are collaborating on a shared vision to create a vibrant future for Swindon town centre.”

Robin Dobson, Director of Network Rail Property, said: "Swindon Knowledge Central represents a great opportunity to transform the centre of this well-connected town, delivering jobs, housing and economic growth through one of the largest regeneration projects in the UK. A station redevelopment would sit at the heart of this work and deliver the connectivity and customer experience demanded by a thriving business community."

Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, Chief Executive of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) said “UKRI is proud to be headquartered in Swindon and excited about the plans for Swindon Knowledge Central. Collaboration is essential to drive excellence in research and innovation. This project offers the opportunity to bring innovative companies and public sector organisations together in high-quality spaces to create a thriving community, connected both locally and nationally.”

*Photograph, pictured (left to right): Emma Walker (Network Rail); Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser (UKRI); Daniel Round (Network Rail); John Wilkinson (Western Gateway); Heidi Alexander MP (Swindon South); Matt Griffith (Business West); Cllr Jim Robbins (Swindon Borough Council); Mark Hopwood (GWR); Colin Skellett (Business West)