A COMPANY responsible for urban regeneration in Swindon is seeking ideas of how to create a vibrant and exciting town centre.

The New Swindon Company will be consulting residents, employers, community groups and schools, as well as cultural groups over the coming weeks.

The company, which was set up under a government initiative to regenerate key town centres, has carried out a detailed economic and market analysis of the town.

As a result, it has come up with a number of proposals, which incorporates two previous consultations carried out in 2000 and 2001.

Now, members of the public are being asked to comment on plans which include options for new transport links, more town centre accommodation, better shops and cultural facilities, and open spaces.

Peter Andrews, who became chief executive of the New Swindon Company in March, said: "Successful regeneration doesn't happen without the involvement of the community, so we would really like to encourage as much participation as possible in giving us feedback on the ideas that are emerging.

"Ideas for the future are aimed at making sure the heart is put back in the town and that it re-establishes its position as a regional leader and a great place to be.

"The current phase of the company's work is about the broad vision for the central area. Details of precisely what goes where and when will come later."

In December, it appointed Arup, a private design consultancy, to embark on a six-month assessment to see if Swindon Council's 30-year vision for the town can be achieved.

Swindon Council commissioned consultants Shillam and Smith to draw up a vision for the town's future, which envisages public squares, sweeping boulevards, street cafes, an ultra-light tram system and a lively cultural scene.

Swindon's urban regeneration area is approximately 220 hectares in size around the size of 300 football pitches.

It covers the Railway Village, North Star, the Great Western Railway Works area and the Churchward Village.

Newsletters will be sent to people living in and around the central area. They will also be available in public libraries in early June.

The public consultation will culminate in an exhibition at the Brunel Centre on July 4 from 10.30am to 5.30pm and July 5 from 9.30am to 4pm.

The exhibition will give everyone a chance to discuss the proposals with the project team, which will help create the final Regeneration Framework for the Town.

The New Swindon Company is one of only 15 such companies in the country responsible for regenerating towns and cities.

Send your comments to Peter Andrews, Chief Executive, The New Swindon Company, Alexander House, 19 Fleming Way, Swindon, SN1 2NG, or e-mail info@newswindon.co.uk

Visit www.newswindon.co.uk