 Following Swindon Borough Council's decision not to site a University Campus in the Town Centre, they earmarked land adjacent to Coate Water and the Great Western Hospital as a potential site for a satellite campus for the University of Bath.The Civic Trust opposed this move, stating that any development in this area would in all likelihood impact on the local ecosystem.The Trust once again pointed out the potential for a Campus location in the Town Centre, stating that -

"The town centre desperately needs the stimulus that a central campus would bring if it is to attract developers for its long overdue redevelopment"

The issue was further compounded when Coate Water was voted "Swindon's Favourite Place" by the local population, in a competition organised by the trust.