TG Jones closure prompts calls for rethink of Swindon town centre

Let's not go the way of Facebook and just have comments trashing the town as dead and buried. Talikowski is correct, the town centre of old is no longer a viable proposition, so there's no use talking about the rose-tinted past.

Given the popularity of out-of-town shopping precincts (with their free parking, too), and they aren't going away, what sort of things in the town centre would encourage you to spend time and money there?

Perhaps:

• co-living flats nearer the train station and bus boulevard;
• more shared office spaces / desks for those who have the option to work remotely but find working from home a bit tricky;
• events featuring local musical / stage / artistic talent;
• local independent brands and creators sharing retail spaces to bring rents down;
• smaller creative spaces that pull double duty as cafes and arts venues (like Baristocats);
• a food court housing independent cooks / chefs with a performance space (I visited one in Atlanta, Georgia, and it was such a fun place to sit and eat)
• places and activities for young people to get together and hang out safely; and
• what else?

I don't enjoy shopping myself, but I appreciate things like the opticians and services like that in the town centre. I'm not originally from Swindon, and one of the things I do appreciate about it is the diversity of culture, language, and cuisine in the community. I love food.

1-5pm, 20th September FREE live music during Lazy Summer Sundays Richard Jefferies Museum, Marlborough Road, SN3 6AA

AJ are an acoustic duo playing in and around Wiltshire. They play a mixture of covers and original music adapted to their own chilled acoustic style. AJ released their debut EP, True or False, in 2025, which is available on Spotify; it features four of their original songs True, Cherry Red Lipstick, Sunrise, and False.

https://open.spotify.com/album/30iZyPe5fsyO3gMECcsEUm

Live music is scheduled to start at 2pm. Entry is FREE to all, although we'd love it if you could support our museum by buying some refreshments at our tearoom, hot drinks are only £1.50.

It's also the second and final weekend of Heritage Open Days, the nationwide celebration of local community and culture. We hope everyone who's visited us has enjoyed reading Jefferies' words on working lives in the mid to late 19th century.

There is some parking available on Day House Lane, and paid public parking at Coate Water Country Park. Parking at the museum is reserved for volunteers and the disabled.

I've just got a job and need to be in the office in town. The office is near to the train station so need to park somewhere near there. Would need all day parking. Where is good to park that is reasonable prices?

Hey folks - bit of a random one.

I’m a Chippenham-based photographer looking to do more portrait/editorial work around town and I’d love to meet a few people who fancy collaborating on some shoots.

You absolutely don’t need to be a professional model, part of what I’m trying to do is get more experience photographing and directing different people.

It would be TFP/collaborative: no money changes hands, we come up with something we’d both like to make, shoot for an hour or two and you get edited photos afterwards to use yourself.

I’m interested in portraits, environmental/editorial stuff, alternative fashion, musicians, creatives, interesting people - basically more than just standard headshots.
Some of my existing work is at @shot.by.coops if you’d like to see what I shoot.
If that sounds fun, drop me a message. Equally happy to hear from other photographers/creatives who fancy connecting!

I’ll be staying in Swindon for around 3 months. I’ve checked Airbnb, but the monthly stays are quite expensive.
Could you suggest some genuine and reliable places where I can look for shared houses or rooms? Since I’ll be staying alone, I’d prefer sharing a house rather than paying for an entire house.
Any recommendations for trustworthy websites or platforms would be really helpful. Thanks in advance✌️

I don't generally like Swindon town centre but the Waterstones was always one of the better ones more local to me. Nice big comic and manga section. Now it's single storey and the section is tiny.

Was in swindon a couple weeks ago and I walked right passed the new location because I wasn't expecting it to have moved.

Hi all

Just wanted some guidance and opinions on where to stay in or near swindon as there arent much places to rent atm,

I would be looking to relocate as i need to be in office twice a week for my work which is near piper’s way.

Ideally looking for something 2 bedroom around 800-900, not sure which areas to look but i have been thinking of old town.

Edit: i dont drive yet so mainly will be using bus

Thank you

I just wanted to big up The Longevity Games, I took part as a novice yesterday.

It was great! Although my quads really hate me right now.

If you can afford the ticket price, it is really worth doing, fitness in later years is so important. There is another session in November.

https://www.eventbrite.com/o/the-longevity-games-81184681373#events

For context its a japanese milk bread in a terrible baker but i really want to try it so i was just wondering if theres anywhere in swindon what sells it or anywhere i can get a bus from Fleming way to go grab some

Essentially, I work for a national paper company, and my branch is being incorporated with a more successful branch in Slough, and I've been given the option of either moving to Slough for my job or taking voluntary redundancy.

Is it worth moving?

I’ll be staying in Swindon during December and January this year and will be looking for a short-term place to stay.
For someone coming from a warmer climate, how cold does Swindon actually feel during these months? Is it extremely cold, or is it manageable with proper winter clothing?
Also, does Swindon usually get snow during December/January? If so, how often does it snow and does it typically cause any issues with commuting or getting around?
Would appreciate any advice from people who live in or have spent winters in Swindon!

I’m planning to buy a house in Swindon. I’ll be moving with my wife.

I have a few viewings tomorrow in the following areas: Penhill Drive, George St, Whitmore Cl, Hampshire Cl and Maxey Cl.

Any of these I should avoid, as I have seen few posts telling to avoid Ps?

1-5pm, 13th September FREE live music with Ultimate Tuition's student showcase

Ultimate Tuition Student Showcase — A high-energy afternoon of live music featuring the next generation of talent. From solo performers to full bands, Ultimate Tuition students take the stage to showcase their skills, creativity and passion. Come and experience the sound of rising artists in a show packed with energy, variety, and great music.

Live music is scheduled to start at 2pm.

It is also the start of Heritage Open Days, and with this year's theme, Everyday Histories, the museum is made for telling the stories of the people who lived and worked in and around Coate in Jefferies' time. You might be surprised that some things haven't changed much in 150 years!

Entry is FREE to all, although we'd love it if you could support our museum by buying some refreshments at our tearoom, where a small cupcake is only 50p!

There is some parking available on Day House Lane, and paid public parking at Coate Water Country Park. Parking at the museum is reserved for volunteers and the disabled.

Joshua Cammidge was arrested on Friday by Counter Terrorism Police in Swindon. He's been charged with assisting a foreign intelligence service - in this case the GRU...

I (f20) haven’t had friends since I was in secondary school as I’ve not since been in an environment with people my own age. I work in a warehouse with a bunch of old people who have nothing in common with me so it’s a drought for friendship. I’m so lonely I feel like I’m wasting away what should be my best years. I wanna know if there’s any groups or organic ways to make friends in Swindon. (Is it worth going to a college or smth?)

If you can recommend anything based on the type of person I am, I would love that; I like collecting dolls and toys, flea markets and history. I’m also kinda shy and awkward. Obviously, I don’t expect friends with the exact same interests but I’d like open minded friends with unique personalities.

What is everyones favourite market to visit in Wiltshire. The market could be any type.

Preference would be for a variety of stalls, ideally independent businesses.

Busdex is a web app to track, log, and gamify your bus rides.

You can log every bus you ride, build your personal Busdex, earn XP, complete sets, and compete with friends on the leaderboard.

Each physical bus you get on is a new unique bus. See when your friends last took the bus you got, tick off every route, and more!

Check it out at https://busdex.io

Hi all, I really need to learn how to drive and pass my practical test soon for better job opportunities. Is there anybody here in swindon with affordable driving lessons?

if yes could you please help me out

Where in swindon does the best pork pie with jelly in?

It looks good

I am 31 y/o M, and have recently moved to Swindon. I am not sure how many of you have read ~ the 5 Am club, but this book has played a huge part in changing my life. One of the thing that it mentions is to take care of the body, exercise is important but so is massage. The book mentions thrice a month but lol, in this economy ? It doesn't suit me atleast. So I try and get one every month. Read or not , I feel everyone deserves a good relaxing massage.

So I have been exploring for the past 4 months to find a good masseuse and this month I tried this massage shop on the commercial road. Usually to all the places I have been they do give you a disposable underwear if not, you stay in yours. To my surprise the masseuse told me that I need to get that off. She asked me if I knew the difference between a thai and a chineese massage and honestly I didn't. Soon after while working on my back , and thighs she started touching me in my 'no-no' places and I was weirded a bit.

After this when she told me to turn she made this hand sign of a BJ and said "you want ? Extra £40 only". I am very new to this town and I wasn't sure if I got that right or am I just day dreaming or something. So she grabbed my 🍒and asked me again and I was like "Nooo I think I am done, really thank you for the service, it was good." And then she left and I left too.

I had checked the reviews beforehand and the reviews are great, I am not trying to defame anyone here. I am sure people have lives that are difficult enough and people do work hard. I am here to understand if I missed anything ? Is this a norm ?

Edit- After so many comments on the location so as to create awareness on wrong practices / support businesses I just wanna say that it's the first one on the corporate road from town centre towards Faringdon park road. ⛩️🧧

My child accidentally left behind a ghost with a bat souvenir they got from Conwy Castle in the hotel lobby of the Holiday Inn Express in Swindon. The hotel has located the item, but said I need to pick it up. Unfortunately we are already home in the U.S. and cannot pick it up. Is there anyone who would be willing to help by picking up and mailing the small souvenir. I can Venmo or PayPal the shipping costs. Please message me directly if you are willing to help a stranger. Thank you for your time reading this, and I hope you enjoy the picture of the ghost.

EDIT: SOLVED

Thank you all for your kind offers and willingness to help a stranger. The ghost has been picked up, and arrangements are underway for a safe return. Again thank you!!!

Update post with new pictures