£35m Redevelopment to Old Town Underway as Contracts Signed

Old Town is set for a historic make over as contracts have been signed off on a £35-million redevelopment of the old Locarno Corn Exchange building.

In years gone by, the Corn Exchange has played host to public meetings, wine storage, roller-skating, a cinema and hosting dance bands as a dance hall. Now, for the first time since 1984, plans are in motion for the iconic building to be at the centre of a massive make over, bringing new life to Old Town.

The plans, which include a restoration of the main building plus the addition of restaurants, bars, cafes bistros and retail stores, should be complete by 2020.

Among the plans include the repurposing of the Market Square as a public piazza instead of a car park, and street performers and a sustainable market will be encouraged.

Project Director, Steve Rosier, had the following statement:

“The restoration of the Old Town Hall and Corn Exchange is a project which has spent years in the early planning stages. We are thrilled to finally be in a position to move forward.

“Our vision is to restore the Corn Exchange as the heartbeat of Old Town - a place for people to live and work, relax and enjoy and a place to appreciate and inspire a more vibrant and sustainable Old Town.

“There will be echoes of Covent Garden, with the Corn Exchange hall, formerly the Locarno ballroom, under a glass roof. It will be surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, bistros and niche shops.

“People in Swindon are so incredibly passionate about protecting these historic buildings. We are looking to harness this passion, taking inspiration from the past to reawaken one of Swindon’s lost treasures.”

At Total Swindon we will be working hard to ensure we are at the centre of new developments as they happen, and will bring you the latest news when it’s available.