Union Square - the major Swindon town centre redevelopment scheme - has secured outline planning permission from Swindon Borough Council.

Doug Finlay, development director at Muse, said: "Confirmation by Swindon Borough Council of the outline planning permission is the first significant milestone if this part of the town centre is to undergo change.

"The masterplan has regeneration at its heart and it is a genuine and vibrant extension to the town centre. It will have a positive impact on Swindon creating opportunities for a range of new businesses, inward investment, homes and new jobs."

Ian Piper, CEO at Forward Swindon added: "The team at Forward Swindon are delighted to achieve outline planning permission for the Union Square regeneration scheme in central Swindon. We have worked hard with our development partners - Muse, the Homes & Communities Agency and the Council - to create an inspiring and deliverable project in the commercial heart of the town.

"We expect the scheme to be hugely significant for the economy, both attracting business and providing much needed amenities for the people who live, work and socialise in Swindon."

The project, which has been divided into phases, comprises:

• 650,000 square feet of offices
• 150,000 square feet of ancillary retail
• 450 residential units (of which 25% are affordable)
• 850 space multi-storey car park
• a new Primary Health Care Trust building
• a new bus station
• the regrading of Fleming Way
• a hotel
• a new public square
• signalized junctions at Gordon Road and Whalebridge Roundabout