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Old Town Swindon

The Old Town Hall and Corn Exchange buildings (Locarno), form a vital part of the historic fabric of the Old Town, Swindon. However the buildings are currently in a state of dilapidation surrounded by car parks and a busy junction.

• Illman Young appointed to promote the site as part of joint venture between Swindon Borough Council and Forward Swindon, with the aim of developing a detailed proposal for regeneration

• Completed a detailed study of the area to understand its history, development and ultimately its decline. Used to inform design principles and objectives for a masterplan of the core site and wider regeneration

• Development aims to breathe new life into this part of Old Town through restoration of the facades, complemented by new built form set within its new urban context

• Illustrative designs saw the creation of an enhanced public realm with restoration of the old market square buildings providing the setting for creating an elegant new urban space

• Contributed to Planning Brief used by the Council to inform and guide proposals in the future. Involved working with specialist consultants looking at heritage, testing, highways and engineering aspects. Listed status of the buildings made it crucial to working with English Heritage and other key stakeholders

• Evolving scheme was presented to the South West Design Review Panel to gain support for the proposals ahead of Planning Submission; gained strong endorsement for our approach and outline scheme