West Swindon's
Magazine THE
LINK No.83. February 1989 . Circulation 10,000
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Leisure Park pulls in keen interest The proposals for the Shaw Ridge Leisure Park, opposite the West Swindon Centre, have been greeted with enthusiasm. The exhibition of plans and a scale model in the Link Centre during the last week of January was visited by hundreds of people. The Leisure Park, featured in last month's Link Magazine, will contain a ten screen cinema, a 324ane ten pin Superbowl, nightclub, a luxury hotel with conference centre and three restaurants. It will be one of the first schemes in the country where a range of integrated leisure facilities are combined on one site. "The reaction from visitors has been very favourable," said Michael Oldrieve, for site developers Carter Commercial Developments of Bristol. "Most people have been saying 'great,' when is it going to open." Ian Riches for cinema operators CIC/ UA (UK) Limited said the response from the general public had been terrific. "I was involved in the original proposal to build a 10 screen cinema on the site over two years ago. So I'm delighted the present scheme is well thought of." Many residents from Eastleaze visited the exhibition and expressed fears about the development according to Mr. Oldrieve. "They were obviously concerned about the noise and the increased traffic on roads close to their houses. We had good discussions and I hope their fears were allayed by the efforts we are making to minimise intrusion by offering high quality facilities." There were mixed views from residents in Goldsborough Close. "My first reaction was to think 'not in my back yard,' said Phil Lewis, who overlooks the site. "But Carters have done a lot by sinking the buildings into the ground. Its a good scheme and very convenient for us; let's hope they live up to their promises. Karen Codling said it was hard to tell how the finished buildings would look. "But with two young boys growing up in West Swindon, the Leisure Park will improve our social life no end." Nick Belson said he understood there was a great deal that could be done about the plans. "Originally the site was to be offices, then a cinema on its own, now it a
Michael Oldrieve, centre, points out afeature of the Leisure Park to Nick Belson, Karen Codling and her Sons Thomas and Simon much larger project altogether. Councillors have told us that we may be able to influence some of the details, but that's about it. "It will be great for Swindon but
there will be disturbance and an invasion of privacy for those who live closest." Shiela Cracknell from Freshbrook expressed concern about the traffic congestion on Whitehill Way and the need for better pedestrian access to and from, and within, the Leisure Park. I think the needs of people on foot have been underestimated; the plans seem to be geared up for the car driver. The majority of pedestrians will have to use a poorly lit, often flooded underpass. And getting across the site to and from the Pizzahut looks hazardous." LiThere is a chance for residents to meet local councillors to express their views on the Leisure Park on Thursday 16th February, 8p.m. in the Community Suite, Link Centre. The scheme goes before Thamesdown Council's planning committee on 27 February.
Takeaway customers to help community groups A West Swindon fast food takeaway is celebrating five years of successful trading in the area and wants customers, old and new, to help them help local community groups. The well known Trawlerman Takeaway at the West Swindon Centre has served fish and chips to thousands of customers during the last five years and is launching a scheme to assist local organisations with cash for special projects. During the week beginning Monday 6th February until Saturday 11th February, 10% of every sale at the Trawlerman will be put into a fund to which local community groups can apply. Its the first time a local business has attempted such a project according to Mike Grey, area manager for Coach Caterers who operate the Trawlerman. "We've been successful over the last five years and this scheme is a good way of putting something back into the community. I hope our customers will like the idea and look forward to some
interesting requests from community groups. Coach Caterers will be matching the total amount raised at the Trawlerman during the week, so it's likely that around ÂŁ800 will be available for distribution. Letters are being sent out to West Swindon groups about the scheme. We will be looking for projects from groupswh ich will allowthem to do something which theywould not normallydo, such as taking children on a museum trip or a pensioners club bringing in a disco dancing demonstration. Obviously if the group is willing to put some money into the activity, there will be more to go round. "Its going to be Interesting to see if customers and groups take to this idea. Perhaps other local businesses may do the same." Community groups In West Swindon are invited to apply for support by writing to Mr. M. Grey, The Trawlerman, West Swindon Centre.