Now Morgan Sindall’s development arm Muse aims to begin building work in late Spring on the site of the former central police station.

It is the first phase of the £350m Union Square development which received outline planning permission in 2011.

Doug Finlay, development director at Muse, said: “This approval is a significant milestone for the project and will ensure a start on site in the late spring.

“It is estimated the total build cost for this first phase is £25m, which will bring much needed investment into the town.”

When completed, the apartments will be operated by Westlea Housing Association and the car park managed by Swindon Borough Council.

On the car park there is planned to be a simple system of cladding with weaving terracotta fins spanning its seven levels.

Profiled aluminium fins would sit between the terracotta fins and would extend the full height of the building.