On behalf of property company, Narbeth Management Ltd, DPDS Consulting Group has submitted a planning application to Swindon Borough Council for the refurbishment of the office building above Swindon Station known as Signal Point. Narbeth Management Ltd are the leaseholders of Signal Point, with Network Rail Properties being the freeholder

Signal Point is a very prominent building and the majority of it has been unoccupied for a number of years. In its current form the building provides a very poor first impression to visitors using the rail station, one of the main gateways to Swindon town centre.

The proposal includes external façade repairs including the partial replacement of cladding, replacement of windows and provision of new reception area and a replacement canopy.

The refurbishment plans will create an attractive building that will encourage investment and occupation. The refurbishment of Signal Point will turn it into a modern looking office building whilst being sensitive to its surroundings.

The dated current brown profiled cladding with be replaced with a non-combustible vertical lined Bronze metallic panels.  A new, triple height glazed main entrance and reception area is planned and the existing over-bearing canopy will be replaced by a more elegant and modern canopy. In addition, windows will be replaced with higher quality, modern double glazed windows.  These plans create a great environment to provide flexible serviced offices for entrepreneurs.

With the electrification of the line planned for October, reducing train time to London Paddington to 50 minutes and Reading to 25 minutes, this really will be a premium location for businesses. In addition to the electrification, Reading will soon offer Crossrail which will bring the City of London and Docklands even closer in journey time, making commuting a more seamless experience.

DPDS Managing Director, Les Durrant, commented:

The proposed refurbishment will make significant improvements to the appearance of Signal Point and its modernisation will help to encourage business activity within the building and to the Swindon Station Arrival Quarter. It is hoped that this planning application will be received positively and be seen as good news for the town.”

The Design and Access Statement which has accompanied the  Planning Application can be viewed and downloaded by clicking here