Residents debate Chippenham Emery Gate transformation

Plans to create 225 homes at Emery Gate shopping centre in Chippenham, alongside the overhaul of the centre’s retail offering, were recently submitted to Wiltshire Council.

The transformative plans are currently under consultation and have created debate amongst Gazette and Herald readers.

Some feel the scheme will bring a much-needed boost to the town centre.

Martin Alvis said: “This is exciting news, let’s hope it gets the go ahead. Just what Chippenham needs, a new lease of life and new opportunities.”

Lewis Wakeford added: “Looks to be a huge improvement on what's there currently, the river and park are underutilised so nice to see them incorporated.”

READ MORE: What Chippenham town centre could look like in new plans

Plans for Emery Gate in Chippenham (Image: Acorn Property Group) It is hoped the proposals will create a more attractive site with a better leisure and hospitality offering.

Natalia Kapel said: “Even if they made it half as nice as the projection, it would be a massive improvement.”

But the plans to build so many homes in the centre of town are controversial and have already received their first objection.

Peter Donegan said: “This is purely an excuse for Acorn to put expensive flats in an area where shops are needed.

“Chippenham has a good number of people within its immediate catchment area, do something to attract them to the town, not put up flats which local people will be unable to afford.”

This opinion was echoed by Gazette readers who are concerned the development will increase traffic and demand for vital services.

SEE ALSO: Plans submitted for complete transformation of town's shopping centre

Plans for Chippenham (Image: Acorn Property Group) Tom Park said: “A ring road should be completed before any more building. Too many people, too many cars, and not enough infrastructure.”

James Davis added: “The town’s infrastructure cannot cope with the population it already has, let alone more.

“I’ve lived in the town centre for nearly seven years now and I’ve just seen it get worse as time has gone by.”

Many in favour of the plans for the shopping centre share these concerns.

Daniel Dawkins said: “This honestly looks brilliant, a thousand times more attractive than the concrete monstrosity of Emery Gate and unlocks the riverside... the town needs a bold shake up or it will die.

“However, the infrastructure isn’t fit for purpose”

Dane Cummings, of developer Acorn Property Group, says the firm will continue to take residents’ views into account during the consultation.

He added: “Chippenham Riverside is an exciting and ambitious project, which is a once in a generation opportunity to transform and enhance Chippenham town centre, but one that is also viable and achievable.”