Development starts on former Madison Hotel site in Gablecross after fire. New shops, garden center, and Costa planned.
Remember the hotel fire? It was way back in July 2016. The fire seriously damaged it and they had to tear the building down. Now, Paloma II (Industrial) LLP can build there, having gotten permission in July 2024.
Paloma II wanted to build some new places. Their plan includes a coffee shop, a food store, and a garden centre. Originally, they wanted a big shop that would sell food plus large items.
The garden centre will be next to the food shop. Costa Coffee might open a branch there, including a coffee shop and a drive-through.
The buildings should be large and boxy. Paloma II says the design is high quality and fits the area well. The plan doesn’t clash with its surroundings, nor will it harm nearby land.
The Swindon Council has rules about shops. New shopping areas must not hurt the town center. Council staff looked at the impact, and they do not believe the site will cause harm or hurt existing town centers.
The staff think other stores will feel it, and retail parks may also notice. But they believe the impact will be spread out, and nobody will be affected too badly.
The project will create local jobs and attract private investment. These good things outweigh any bad impacts, plus they will reuse a cleared site.