IT is good to see more attention being given to the future of the blighted Bridge Centre site. Coun Bill Douglas is quite right to draw attention to its important position as an entrance to the town.
It’s hard to believe that discussions about its future have been going on for ten years, but indeed they have.
I have seen agreements with developers, interventions from the now defunct Chippenham Vision, plans, failed plans and more recently many years of Wiltshire Council inaction – alongside their general and not always benign neglect of the town centre.
Now the penny has dropped that that area cannot be sensibly developed without some major investment in the road system. I understand that some research is going on about the options and costs – and not before time. Meantime, the weeds are taking over.
I have four suggestions, some of which I have been arguing for years.
First, Wiltshire Council should abandon any plans it may have to sell the site off to developers to do whatever they like with it. It’s too important to the town, and needs imaginative planning and positive local initiatives.
Second, the town council should get involved, and stop saying it’s nothing to do with them because it belongs to Wiltshire Council.
It’s vital for the town and the town council should have something to say about its future.
Third, the town council (or some other group – maybe the BID or Borough Lands) could run a competition for the best ideas for the site, and invite local architects and designers to contribute.
Fourth, let’s invest in a proper process of engaging the public in all of this. Encourage innovation, bright ideas and public involvement.
What’s not to like?
What’s not to like is more years of inaction.
CHRIS CASWILL
Wiltshire councillor
Chippenham Monkton ward
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