Kimmerfields site identified as location for Swindon’s new Cultural Quarter
Kimmerfields for Swindon’s new Cultural Quarter – or looks that way anyway.
Exciting plans to rejuvenate the arts in Swindon could get a huge boost next week. Why? It’s when members of Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet decide on where to build a brand new cultural quarter.
Over the past 12 months, the Council has worked at close quarters with key partners in Swindon’s arts, cultural and business sectors. Together they’ve developed a credible and deliverable plan to create a new Cultural Quarter. The aim of it to help revitalise the town centre and boost the town’s cultural offer.
The Council’s Cabinet will discuss a report next Wednesday (21 Oct). It proposes to move the Wyvern Theatre and build the cultural quarter on the derelict Kimmerfields site. A key site which lies between the railway station and opposite Debenhams on Fleming Way. Kimmerfields will also be home to the new flagship Zurich office. This is the first major office development in Swindon town centre for 20 years.
Artist’s impression of new Zurich offices
Funding for the project
SWELP (Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise partnership are the funders of the exercise. It’s followed and established development process with input from professionals in the sector.
Built in the 1960s, the town’s Wyvern Theatre is reaching the end of its life and new cultural forms and audiences need new facilities in which to thrive. Engineering reports highlight that there is a need for over £20 million of refurbishments.
It’s expected that the plans for the cultural quarter will come to fruition over the next decade. It will include, among other things:
A new theatre
A dance centre,
Digital media and arts hub and …
… new facilities to display Swindon’s nationally-significant art collection.
The costs
Expected costs for the whole thing are in the region of £80m. Of course the coronavirus pandemic has placed on hold most funding routes for cultural projects and capital infrastructure. That said, the Council expects an announcement of new schemes later this year and into next. This work will ensure Swindon is well prepared for the next round of bids.
An economic impact assessment has concluded that the cultural quarter could add more than £35m a year to Swindon’s economy. In addition it could create as many as 1,200 jobs for the town.
Assuming the reaching of an agreement at Cabinet next week, progression of the plans will take place via a partnership. This approach will bring together:
The town
Swindon’s arts sector
diverse public and private sector stakeholders and
funding bodies
All working together to develop and sustain a long-term cultural offer of internationally recognised scale and quality for all Swindon’s citizens.
Councillor Dale Heenan, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for the Town Centre, Culture and Heritage, said: “When I took over as cabinet member, I made it clear to everyone that there needed to be a focus on fewer, more impactful projects. Projects that will make a visible difference to Swindon. And that change doesn’t happen overnight.
The jigsaw is coming together
“The pieces of the jigsaw are coming together. There are now cranes and diggers on site for the first new office development in 20 years. Further, expect imminent decisions for £50 million of funding bids for the town centre, a refurbished Health Hydro, completion of the fantastic Carriage Works regeneration, new Hampton by Hilton and Premier Inn hotels and much more.
Now is the time to present plans for a new Cultural Quarter and build on Swindon’s momentum to ensure that, by 2030, we will see a very different town centre.
Hampton by Hilton – artist’s impression
“Cabinet’s ambition is to see the building of a new Wyvern Theatre with capacity doubled to 1,200 seats. This way we can attract the best national and regional shows and performers for residents to enjoy. We also want to deliver a new museum and art gallery that is proud to display Swindon’s nationally recognised collection of artefacts and exhibits.
“If approved by Cabinet next week, the next six months will see focus placed on writing the financial business case and investment prospectus, for the £78m needed to bring the Culture Quarter to life. This is a fantastic opportunity for Swindon and we must grasp it with both hands.”
Two prospective sites
The process of identifying an appropriate location for the cultural quarter involved the consideration of two sites:
1. The current one at Princes Street, with the existing Wyvern, former town hall and Central Library at its core and … 2. … the Kimmerfields site.
Options were developed for both sites. Then, following an analysis of the relative strengths, opportunities and weaknesses of the two sites, a preferred solution of development at Kimmerfields came into view. A viable and attractive back up opportunity at the Princes Street site will also be available were this not to progress.
The Kimmerfields site has significant development benefits, with much of it already cleared and ready for construction. It occupies a central location close to the railway station. And, as a gateway to the heart of the town centre, it provides the opportunity to spearhead town centre regeneration.
The proposals sit against a backdrop of significant change happening in high streets and town centres across the country. These changes are both pre and post pandemic, affecting footfall and the viability of retail led centres. Investment in Swindon’s cultural offer represents an opportunity. An opportunity to address these challenges by driving footfall in the town centre and allowing other amenities and businesses to prosper.
Swindon Dance
Viv Slayford, Artistic Director at Swindon Dance, said: “Swindon Dance has had its base in the town hall for over 40 years. And while the building has been the bedrock to our early development it is now a cap on our future growth.
“Moving to the cultural quarter will give us the space and facilities to continue to grow and prosper across all areas of our work. That in professional and non-professional, local and international. It will also enable us to work with Swindon’s other cultural organisations. To kick start the town’s economy and bring the passion and heart back to our town centre.
“Swindon Dance has a national and international reputation for developing young and professional talent in the dance world. It supports the growth of the art-form on the international stage. What’s more it makes quality dance projects accessible to our local community regardless of a persons’ background.”
Back to SWELP
Paddy Bradley, CEO of the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “This is an exciting project for Swindon – so rich in both arts and culture. Swindon has always had a fantastic cultural offering. From its amazing art and museum collections, through to its nationally recognised dance and theatre companies and vibrant music scene.
“The choice of the Kimmerfields site for this development is an inspired one. It links the railway station transport hub with the town centre through a cultural quarter buzzing with people.
We’re delighted at The SWLEP to help cement the future of Swindon’s cultural sector allowing it to expand and thrive.”
Before I talk about Marlborough Lane wildlife corridor in particular let’s first define what a wildlife corridor is – and what it does.
Well, the Woodlands UK website tells us that the term refers to any linear feature in a landscape that wildlife can use to migrate or disperse.
Put another way, a wildlife corridor is a strip of natural habitat connecting populations of wildlife otherwise separated by cultivated land, roads, etc.
Download a PDF all about The Great Copse from the Wildlife Sites Project for Wiltshire and Swindon
Such a thing is a link of wildlife habitat – as a rule native vegetation. It joins two or more larger areas of similar wildlife habitat. These corridors are critical for the maintenance of ecological processes – including allowing animals to move from one place to another. And to allow viable populations to continue.
Wildlife corridors are critical for the maintenance of ecological processes, including allowing for the movement of animals and the continuation of viable populations. And Swindon has the great, good fortune to be particularly blessed in all things nature and wildlife. I’m thinking not only of wildlife corridors such as this but of the wildlife lagoons over to the west, Hagbourne Copse and many, many more green spaces besides. All of them important for biodiversity. Indeed a chap from Wiltshire Wildlife once commented to me how underestimated Swindon is – in general but in particular for its astonishing amount of green spaces and wildlife habitat.
About Marlborough Lane wildlife corridor
Though not too welll-known, Marlborough Lane comprises one of Swindon’s longest-standing natural wildlife corridors. It stretches from the Great Copse, along Marlborough Lane to willow trees on the embankment. Over 200 mature trees along its length provide an essential foraging route for bats, birds and bees.
The corridor also forms a vital barrier between the large car park belonging to the Marriott Hotel and all who either live on the lane or travel along it to the Croft sports centre, school and playgroup.
The tree line lies on the Marriott’s land. But it’s the residents of the lane that have planted the long laurel hedge along the mid-section and the shrubs and flowering plants on the end of the lane.
The Embankment
The embankment once had a life as the old railway line. A few years ago an initiative started by residents Adrian and Andrea Downing led to the planting of sixty trees with Cllrs, residents and the Croft School’s first intake of pupils.
The embankment is bedecked too with a host of daffodils sufficient to inspire Wordsworth himself. Or his sister, Dorothea. But I digress. Swindon Borough Council gave the bulbs towards an early spring clean by Old Town Residents Association (OTRA). Many got involved in planting them including the Scouts. OTRA created the flower bed on the embankment and maintain it to this day.
Background/context
One of the movers and shakers behind this particular wildlife corridor is Marlborough Lane resident, Carole Bent. Her motivation for highlighting the importance of this particular tree line began around ten years ago.
Said Carole: ‘like many, I’ve had a lifelong love of nature. It inspired my first small (in physical size) book Wisdom of the Catfish in which I mention learnings from our natural world – including those close to home. Earlier this year the British Naturalist Society asked me to write an article highlighting the Great Copse and the wildlife corridor.’
NB – see the link above for a downloadable PDF about the Great Copse.
At the start of Covid-19 we saw a dramatic reduction in traffic and an increase in people’s appreciation of nature and their environment in general. And that made me think how great it would be to use this period to help people take a fresh look at the natural environment. Both close to their home and on their way to the Croft.’
A chat with Croft School
‘A conversation with Elaine Murphy, head of Croft School, and her husband reinforced my thoughts about seeing the area as a mini nature reserve and a place worth looking after. ‘
Thus Carole approached Swindon artist Marilyn Trew (someone slowly mapping Swindon) to create an artwork. Said Carole: ‘I love the way that her work engages people with nature & felt that a visual interpretation would be positive – including for the young children who go to the school, playgroup & all ages at the sports centre. I knew this would be something uplifting for them to see when they returned to school in September.
‘A group of neighbours met in our garden & we shared our knowledge of the wildlife and plants with her. Marilyn has kindly gifted this to our community, including access to a black and white version for children of all ages to colour in! Marilyn & I intend to visit the school at a time to suit the head teacher.
We hope to have full sizes signs also made & will follow this up with Parish & SBC Councillors. The effect of nature on our wellbeing is well-recorded and seems more important now than ever.’
If you’d like to download the black and white version of Marilyn’s map to colour in yourself there’s a link below.
Marilyn has long held an interest in all aspects of nature. She now manages 3 art groups in Swindon and exhibits her work around Swindon and its environs. Currently Marilyn is concentrating her efforts on nature and heritage charities.
Well listeners – here I am again with yet another new-to-me cafe. This time Cafe Nexus Cheney Manor.
Yep, tucked away at the back of a business block on the Cheney Manor industrial estate. Who knew? Well a lot of people it seems as I think it’s been there for a good old while. Anyway – earlier this week I visited it for first time for breakfast with some chums of mine.
‘If you’re looking for an affordable breakfast or lunch that doesn’t compromise on quality, then visit us at Café Nexus.
Situated overlooking a riverside, Café Nexus is the idyllic setting to enjoy freshly-made food in comfortable surroundings.
Create your perfect breakfast or lunch from our deli bar, or order from the kitchen one of our carefully designed dishes or specials.
And for those in a hurry, why not simply pre-order your meal for collection? Serving the finest illy Coffee, Tea and nutritious food, make Café Nexus your weekday eatery. Hot food served until 14:30 Monday to Friday Deli bar until 17:00 Monday to Thursday 15:00 Friday.’
NB: COVID SERVICE – REDUCED HOURS:
Monday to Friday: hot food served until 14:00 Deli food served until 14:15
The office building behind which you’ll find Cafe NexusCheney Manor.
A surprising setting
What makes this cafe so charming, aside from the tasty food and super friendly service, is the cafe’s setting. Because what you’d never know from the view you see above is that it enjoys a delightful river view. Isn’t that fabulous?
In the current Covid climate they’ve created an environment that feels safe and comfortable – so it’s definitely worth a visit. But you do have to book of course.
There’s ample free parking in front of the building so another good reason to give it a try.
The review below is from Gary Hazell, one of the party with whom I went to the cafe.
I opted for the small English breakfast and a regular black coffee – and jolly nice it was too. It kept me full for hours.
The small English breakfast at Cafe Nexus Cheney Manor
Among the doom and gloom of Covid and Brexit and town centre shop closures there’s some good local news in the restoration of The Watchers.
The Watchers form part of the West Swindon sculpture walk. These sculptures are a culturally significant part of the West Swindon landscape, installed in the late 1970s/early 1980s. Roger Ogle has done much to champion them – then much later than him – so have I. I’ve featuredThe Watchers and the rest of the trail on this blog and in my new guide book.
Despite the fact that they’ve been shamefully neglected by our town’s leaders for decades now, they remain things of enjoyment and an untapped resource I’m sure. If the powers that be did but know it.
Anyhoo! Last year the chap on this sculpture sadly suffered decapitation. But rejoice! For, thanks to Swindon stonemason Toby Robson,The Watchers are Restored. But more on that in a bit!
The Watchers at Toothill – prior to restoration
‘Artist: Carleton Attwood. Material: Cement Fondue. Project details: Funded by R.S. McColl and E.H.Bradley Building Projects Ltd. The sculpture represents guardian figures looking over the community.’
‘The Watchers, 1982, by Carleton Attwood (1908 to 1985) at Toothill Village Centre. The first sculpture in West Swindon, cast in ferro-concrete at Swindon’s town hall studios, is one of Carleton’s last works. Sculptor Pat Elmore had to complete the piece as Carleton suffered ill-health. Thanks to Carleton’s ill-health.
The work represents the guardians of the new community.’
The story goes that Carleton got the idea for this piece of public art from a family he observed at a Swindon town football match.
The day was a rainy one and the father was holding his raincoat around his wife. She in turn shielded their child with their raincoat and the child the dog.
The restoration of The Watchers
Now back to the resoration. There’s a nice piece here inThe Swindon Advertiser about the restoration. Said Toby: ‘… it’s a big challenge because the sculpture is more than 40 years old. And nobody knows what materials went into it originally in terms of sand and the cement mix used. Nobody remembers.
I chatted to Toby just yesterday and he told me that the community had been so supportive and interested in what he was doing and how heart-warming he’d found that.
Photo from Toby Robson.
Some photos from Toby of the work in progress:
And now the finished product. Ta da!The Watchers are Restored!
On 10th October 2010 parish councillor, Suresh Gattapur is doing a walk for BMX park Swindon. He intends to walk 26.1 miles around Swindon. It’s his aim to raise awareness and achieve funding for local youth engagement. That’s quite a walk –he could do it with my guide book in his back pocket! 😉 Suresh does have a copy.
Suresh hopes to raise £5,000 out of an estimated budget of £70,000 to £90,000 to build a BMX track in Westlea, in Swindon. It’s Suresh’s belief that championing youth projects is a transformative approach that can encourage urban youth engagement in local communities.
Says Suresh: Parks and public spaces are often built with small children and adults in mind. There’s often an emphasis on playgrounds for the children and benches for the adults watching them.
On the other hand, some public spaces are simply devoid of activity or amenities. This is fine for picnicking or maybe playing ball but offers little else for young people. And they use public spaces as much as anyone else. If not more.
Exclusion of young people from place making
And yet, too often young people, or young adults between the ages of 13 to 21, are not included in the process of place making. But, with active engagement in youth-friendly spaces, young people can feel like they have investment in their community. And from that they can develop a strong sense of ownership in these places.
I believe identifying the interests of local young people, or issues in the community around young people is a key part of building a relationship with them. I have myself conducted extensive research on youth engagement and their interests. I’ve identified the demand and need for a solid BMX track and how it would be a significant contributing factor to positive youth engagement.
In a world of virtual gaming platforms, bike parks are fun, challenging, and healthy places for young people to get their exercise in. As bike parks get built and maintained then riders frequent the parks on a regular basis.
Compared to more traditional parks and playgrounds, bike parks offer an incredible value vs the budget spent on them.
Well built facilities also have the potential to become tourist draws. Attracting events leads to benefits to the local economy. People spend money locally on amenities, food, repairs and new equipment.
It’s one thing to build a bike park. But a bike park helps build something larger for a community. It helps build healthy, happy, outdoor lifestyle choices.
