Council officers will attend the UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum in Leeds from Monday 19 May to Wednesday 21 May, where more than 16,000 delegates are expected.
The authority says it will use the conference, known as UKREiiF, to launch a new investment prospectus aimed at positioning Swindon as a centre for innovation-led and sustainable growth along the M4 corridor.
Central to the pitch will be the long-planned Knowledge Central development near Swindon railway station and further opportunities at Kimmerfields, next to Fleming Way.
Knowledge Central is one of the town’s flagship regeneration sites and could deliver up to 4,000 homes. Plans also include commercial space, research facilities and an innovation district linked to Swindon’s technology and advanced engineering sectors.
Kimmerfields, a prominent brownfield site close to the town centre bus boulevard, is being marketed as a mixed-use development opportunity. The area is also expected to benefit from a proposed new entertainment venue, which recently secured £20 million in Government funding and is intended to boost town centre footfall.
The council will highlight Swindon’s transport links as part of its case to investors, including direct rail services to London, Bristol and Cardiff and immediate access to the M4.
It will also point to major employers already based in the town, including Nationwide Building Society, Zurich Insurance, RWE and Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Swindon’s emerging defence and drone technology sector is also expected to feature, following recent announcements that several drone and AI firms are looking to establish operations in the borough.
Matt Peachey, Swindon Borough Council’s Director of Inclusive Growth, said:
“Swindon is a town with a proud history and an exciting future. Our new investment prospectus sets out a clear vision for sustainable growth, backed by real opportunities.
“UKREiiF gives us the perfect platform to showcase everything Swindon has to offer. We’re looking forward to working with partners who share our ambition to unlock the town’s full potential.”
The conference appearance comes at a pivotal time for the borough, as the council faces pressure to show progress on long-running town centre regeneration plans.
Several high-profile sites remain undeveloped, and retail footfall has fallen in recent years. The outcome of discussions with investors at UKREiiF could influence how quickly some of Swindon’s largest vacant sites move forward.
