RESIDENTS are being urged to have their say on a multimillion pound redevelopment of a car park in Chippenham.

As part of the Chippenham Station Hub Project, there are proposals for the development of a modern office and a multi-level car park on the Sadlers Mead car park site.

It will include a new office HQ building for Good Energy, one of the major employers in Chippenham, and an extra 260 parking spaces for public use.

Wiltshire councillor and Chippenham town councillor Melody Thompson said: “Chippenham desperately needs more car parking spaces and I welcome the proposal for additional spaces as part of the Sadler’s Mead development together with a new building to secure Good Energy as a major employer in the town centre.

“Car parking is a controversial issue in the town as the lack of spaces causes tension between residents, commuters and people working in the town centre, who all need somewhere to park.

“I hope this will begin to alleviate the pressure for residents who find commuters parking outside their properties, so I would encourage them to contribute their views to the consultation.”

“While the additional car parking spaces near the train station is welcome, it doesn’t go far enough to address the shortage of spaces in the town and I would still welcome a multi-story car park in the town centre to provide car parking for shoppers and town centre workers.

Pauline Church, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for economic development and Salisbury recovery, said “Wiltshire Council recognises the strategic importance of high value businesses to the economy and community and invests resource into close working to help ensure their ongoing presence and growth.

“This proposal provides an opportunity to retain Good Energy in Chippenham, kick-start the regeneration of the railway station area, and provide additional car parking in an area where a shortage has been identified.”

Director of people and culture at Good Energy, Fran Woodward, said: “As one of Chippenham’s largest employers, this new HQ will enable us to stay in the town centre, while giving us the space to grow.

“We plan to create an office that reflects our values, embracing renewable technology and being as energy efficient and sustainable as possible.”

The public consultation is running until next Wednesday (August 8) and feedback on the proposals can be sent to economicregeneration@wiltshire.gov.uk.

For more information about the Chippenham Station Hub Project, please visit: www.wiltshire.gov.uk/news/articles/sadlers-mead-car-parking-consultation-today.