South Derbyshire pushes on with Swadlincote vision
A consultation has been launched as the local authority looks to shape the town centre’s future.
The masterplan will cover the whole of the town centre, with a particular focus on the local authority land ownership at the western end of the centre.
Within this area there is a concentration of ageing public buildings, in particular Green Bank leisure centre and the civic offices.
Improvement projects undertaken in recent years include refurbishing the market square and public toilets, creating the Midland Road car park, and improving shopfronts.
BDP and AspinallVerdi are leading on the process as the project team engages with stakeholders to explore different scenarios, develop a preferred option, and ultimately prepare a final masterplan.
What is estalbished is the council’s eagerness to relocate civic space and leisure facilities to Cadley Park as a cornerstone of the project. This could also involve town centre living with tenures not currently widely available in the town centre.
Cllr Robert Pearson, Leader of South Derbyshire Council, said “This is exciting news for Swadlincote and for South Derbyshire.
“Our Town Centre Masterplan will help us to develop a revitalised town centre in Swadlincote whilst ensuring we celebrate our rich and important heritage. I would encourage the community to take the opportunity to get involved in shaping the next chapter for Swadlincote town centre.”
There are a series of public drop-in sessions, while the consultation is also running online until 8 November.
The consultation follows news in September that a design team has been appointed for the replacement of the Green Bank centre with a leisure and offices scheme also including conferencing facilities, with the aim being completion in spring 2028.
This team includes:
- CPMG Architects – design lead
- Chord Consult – mechanical & electrical engineering
- Hexa Consulting – civil, structural & transport engineering
- Cadence Projects – project management
- Coreus Group – cost consultancy
- Ares – landscape architecture
Cllr Pearson described the team’s appointment as “a significant milestone for Swadlincote and for South Derbyshire”.
He continued: “Swadlincote deserves a modern leisure centre that promotes health and wellbeing, alongside flexible office space that can support the Council and provide opportunities for local businesses.
“This project is not just about new buildings, it is about creating a place that people are proud of, that brings the community together, and that reflects our ambition for the future.”
A construction partner is due to be appointed in early 2026.
