Fleet Street’s Glow-Up: How Art is Reviving Swindon’s Forgotten Corner
From Bustling Market to boarded-up stores: What happened?
Once the lively heart of Swindon’s outdoor market scene, Fleet Street and nearby Bridge Street have seen better days. Like many high streets across the UK, the area fell quiet, with shops closing up and the vibe turning dull. But that’s all starting to change thanks to a big creative plan.
Enter: The Public Art Plan
Swindon Borough Council has teamed up with Artsite (the crew behind Swindon Paint Fest) to launch a major public art programme. The goal? To splash colour and creativity across the walls, bring people back, and spark new interest in this neglected part of town. It’s all about celebrating Fleet Street’s history while making it a place people actually want to hang out in again.
Five Buildings, Five Stories
The first wave focuses on five key buildings right on Fleet Street. Each mural is custom-made, inspired by the building’s own past, design, and what it used to be used for. This isn’t just random art—it’s about telling the street’s unique story.
The project is funded by the Council and Arts Council England. Local artists are doing the painting, and they’re buying supplies from Swindon businesses too, so the money stays in the town. You can already see work starting, and follow the progress on Artsite’s Instagram.
Meet the Artists Behind the Brush
The first set of huge artworks is being created by three Swindon-based creators: Caryn Koh, Ed Poster, and Dayna Baxter. They’re the ones turning blank walls into giant, vibrant canvases that reflect the area’s character.
Why This Matters for Swindon
Councillor Jim Robbins admitted the area has been “forgotten” for years, with empty shops and closed cafes dragging the mood down. The council is already pushing for new shops and homes to move in, and this art project is the first splash of colour in a bigger plan to fix up the whole street.
Helen Salter from Artsite says the project is all about local pride. It’s not just about pretty pictures—it’s about helping Fleet Street write its next chapter. The street is already home to over 30 independent businesses, and this art aims to boost their energy and draw new visitors.
How You Can Get Involved
Got artistic skills? Swindon Paint Fest is looking for local artists for future phases. Send your ideas or portfolio to swindonpaintfest@gmail.com. Keep an eye out—more murals are planned, and the whole street could get a total makeover in the months ahead.
Image Credit: theswindonian.co.uk
