Fleming Way improvements newsletter


Issue 19 of the Fleming Way improvements newsletter	April 2025

Fleming Way is currently undergoing a major transformation as the main gateway into Swindon town centre. The Council-led project includes the construction of a new bus interchange, vastly improved public open spaces and new cycle lane facilities that link up the main cycling routes across the town.

Backed by a government-approved business case that secured 75 per cent of the funding, the project aims to stimulate further investment in the town centre by increasing land values and making it more attractive for investors to bring forward new homes, offices, shops and leisure facilities.

Scheme progressing towards late Summer completion

This latest drone image shows work is progressing well on the scheme with planting complete on the central green corridor. Tarmac has also been laid on the new cycle lanes and, this week, work will turn to the bus routes.

The new cycle routes will connect the Eastern and Western Flyers through the town, allowing cyclists to easily cross Swindon.

Bike users will have dedicated lanes on the road next to the central green corridor, and they will also be controlled by traffic lights to allow pedestrians to safely cross the road.

Visitors to the town centre will have noticed the change in both The Parade and public space in front of Zurich as well as the appearance of the new bus shelters and a new mural on the side of the former Debenhams building.

The recent warmer weather has brought out the blossom on some of the newly-planted trees and some of the bee-friendly plants are showing their first flowers.

Just out of shot, behind H&M, work is continuing to construct rural bus stops with a new toilet block having been installed including a Changing Places facility.

Landowners welcome Fleming Way improvements

Two major landowners in the town centre have thrown their support behind the transformation of Fleming Way.

FI Real Estate Management, which owns the Tri-Centre and Brunel Shopping Centre, along with Parade Swindon Limited, which controls the area including the old Debenhams building, have highlighted the regeneration work as a key reason for investing in the area and that it will act as a catalyst for future growth in Swindon.

You can read more on our website.

Bus companies test new road layout

A few weeks ago, Swindon’s two bus companies (Swindon’s Bus Company and Stagecoach) drove buses for the first time along the southern carriageway. Although a number of computer simulations were used in the design phase, the planned test gave the companies their first opportunity to experience the new layout, bus shelter locations and crossing points.

The feedback from the bus companies has been very positive.

Toilet block installed behind H&M

Designed and constructed by Danfo, the new Fleming Way toilet block was built off site and lifted into its location behind H&M last month.

The toilet block features two standard, two larger accessible toilets (for those who cannot use standard toilets), and a Changing Places space, which includes equipment such as hoists, privacy screens, adult-sized changing benches, and space for carers.

New murals take shape on shop buildings

Two new murals have been created by artist HazardOne, who first contributed to Swindon’s street art at Paint Fest two years ago with an installation in the town centre on Regent Close.

The first new mural, located on the back wall of H&M and behind the new toilet block, features a glitching abstract design. The second has been created on the wall of the former Debenhams building, behind the new bus shelters, and focuses on a floral pattern.

Both murals have been created on the rendered blank walls to brighten up the area and deter graffiti tagging.

Funding to design new train station entrance

A new station entrance and multi-storey car park on the northern side of Swindon train station will be designed as part of wider regeneration plans for the area.

This will free up the car parks next to Station Road for development.

The Council received £100,000 from Homes England to give to Network Rail to begin the design work.

The new entrance will form part of the wider regeneration scheme, known as Swindon Knowledge Central, which aims to capitalise on existing investment in the nearby Carriage Works and attract further private sector involvement. Along with the repurposing of existing land, Swindon’s station is a Network Rail priority for regeneration, following successful projects to upgrade Bristol Temple Meads and Cardiff Central stations.

To help inform the plans for the station, a survey was also conducted with rail passengers and received 600 responses.

Find out more.

New bus route map published

A new map of bus routes across Swindon has been published.

Swindon’s bus operators, Stagecoach and Swindon’s Bus Company, have worked in partnership with the Council to publish a new map to help residents navigate bus routes around town.

The mapping and co-ordination of the route colours is being transferred to the new bus shelters being installed along Fleming Way. Once the shelters are complete, the stop location, route number and colour will be identifiable on each shelter.

You can download the map, or visit Central Library in Regent Circus for a physical copy.

As well as the map, the Council’s bus passenger charter has been released, which shares commitments for bus services and infrastructure. It has been developed in partnership with Swindon’s Enhanced Bus Partnership and the Get Swindon Moving Community Group.