New building merchant site to provide investment and jobs to Swindon

One of the UK's leading retailers have been given planning permission by the council

Author: Local democracy reporter, Aled ThomasPublished 20th Apr 2023

One of the biggest retailers and building material suppliers have announced that a new store will be coming to Swindon.

Travis Perkins has been given the go-ahead to build a new store on the corner of the junction of Mead Way and West Mead Avenue.

Swindon Borough Council planners have approved the plan for the rectangular shed, mostly taken up by a warehouse on the ground floor, with a trade counter and tool hire workshop, now that they have agreed with the company it will pay at least £20,000  towards improvements to traffic and public transport in the area.

Two existing industrial buildings running along Mead Way will be demolished to make way for the Travis Perkins superstore. Council planners said: “The design and appearance of the proposed development is considered an improvement to the outdated existing buildings to be demolished.

“Given the industrial and commercial nature of buildings in this locality, the proposed development would integrate with the character of this area.”

Travis Perkins told planners the move from its base at Rushy Platt Industrial Estate, where its lease is due for renewal, would create another 26 full-time jobs and be an £8.5m investment in the borough.

The company’s application said: “The proposed development is to facilitate relocation from the existing branch at Rushy Platt.

“It will also allow us to operate from a larger floorspace so that it can provide customers with a full range of services.

“This will be the second major investment in Swindon by Travis Perkins, having completed the construction of its new branch on Dunbeath Road in 2017/18.”

As well as the main sales floor, the building will feature a   mezzanine floor upstairs with a staff canteen and lavatories, a locker and drying room and a quiet room for staff.

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