SWINDON'S £350 million vision for the town centre has been attacked by one of Britain's leading lights on urban renewal.

The criticism comes only three weeks after the masterplan for the town, which includes creating a tram system, a new library and a new urban park, was released.

But council leader Sue Bates has dismissed the comments and said it's up to the people of Swindon to decide what they want for the town.

The attack comes from Fred Manson, a prominent regeneration expert. He is the man who brought the Tate Modern to Southwark in London and is responsible for bringing new life to inner-city areas like Peckham and Elephant and Castle.

Mr Manson, who is director of regeneration at the London Borough of Southwark, accused consultants who have been employed to create a 30-year vision for Swindon of having limited vision. He said: "Surely Swindon deserves more than an ultra-light rapid tram system, an urban park, a library and an art gallery.

"What is the point of a masterplan that limits the imagination so comprehensively?

"It seems to me that the new Swindon is not one where people would want to go. The town may have done better to commission a marketing company or branding consultancy. Perhaps the ideas generated would have given something for masterplanners to masterplan."

A team of the country's top planners and designers spent nearly a year drawing up the plan, commissioned by the borough council at a cost of £97,000.

The plan proposes a completely transformed town centre featuring public squares, boulevards and a revitalised cultural scene with a 24 hour library, art gallery and multiplex cinema.

The North Star area would become a science and education park housing Swindon College, with the main University of Bath in Swindon campus built right next door. In Old Town a new square will be created and the parking would be shaken up encouraging more shop, residential and office developments.

The team behind the plans is London-based architects and urban planners Shillam and Smith, headed by Wendy Shillam.

The comments about the plan appeared in an editorial in specialist trade magazine Regeneration and Renewal.

Coun Bates (Lab, Pinehurst and Gorse Hill) said she welcomed all views about the plan and that experts may disagree about te best way to make Swindon a better place to be. But she said: "It is important we consult with the population of Swindon about the kind of future they would like.

"We recognise more has to be done to improve the image of Swindon to the outside world. But we also know it is a vibrant and diverse place to be, and the future is for residents and visitors alike."

Anyone who would like to get a closer look at the plan will be able to see it tomorrow (Saturday) at the Mechanics Institution Preservation Trust Conference. The conference, which is called 'Looking at Swindon.. Together' will be held at Swindon College from 10am to 4pm.

Call 01793 520592 today (Friday) to book a place.