Investment of £200m into Swindon

If all goes to plan, the centre will be ready by Autumn 2012

The regeneration of Swindon in Wiltshire has taken a step forward with the signing of a deal which will bring more than £200m investment to the town.

It will be paid for with private and public money and includes 32,000 sq m of retail, housing and leisure.

The New Swindon Company is behind it and is funded by the South West of England Regional Development Agency, English Partnerships and the council.

The New Swindon Company was formed in 2002 to breathe new life into the town.

Peter James, of The New Swindon Company, said: "Swindon is bucking the national trend - the town has absolutely massive potential and these developments, which are a major investment into Swindon's future, will go a long way to realising it."