Old Town’s Locarno building has had its development plans down-scaled due to the current economic climate.
The redevelopment, that was granted planning permission in 2008, will now centre on a 117-bedroom hotel, a restaurant, 84 apartments and new 133 space underground car park.
The original plans were much more extensive including more apartments, offices, two restaurants and a café, however due to economic downturn the development had to be re-examined.
Peter Lawson, of Turley Associates working on behalf of Bach Homes Locarno, said: “The last two years have been difficult ones for the development industry, but our team have been working hard behind the scenes to improve the financial viability of the scheme without increasing the overall scale or design of the development.
“Swindon Council has confirmed that there is no longer any requirement to accommodate a new office for the registrar at the site, and this space will now comprise a restaurant unit overlooking The Square.
“We fully expect to be able to make a start on site in March 2011,” he said.
Bach Homes Locarno will be holding a public exhibition to explain the changes to the development proposals between 2.30pm and 7.00pm on June 16 at the Arts Centre in Devizes Road, Old Town.
