GAZETTE & HERALD: NEGOTIATIONS are currently underway between the owners of Methuen Park and a number of major hospitality chains, which could result in a second hotel for Chippenham.

A one-acre block, which lies between the Focus DIY store and the Cepen Park by-pass, already has authorised planning consent for an office development, but land agents Alder King have been approached by hotel developers interested in building hotel and conference facilities.

Alder King partner Simon Kingsley said: "The site is a gateway to Chippenham and would make a cracking hotel site.

"We can't really commit to which type of hotels have shown an interest and one of them only cropped up last week but they are national chains and we're not surprised by the interest we've had.

"Methuen Park is already an established and growing pool of business.

"It already houses businesses such as Focus, the new Wincanton building, the pub and Leapfrog nursery, while the new B&Q site is being developed further along the Bath Road.

"Approaches have been made by a number of hotel developers and currently there is more than one set of negotiations ongoing."

Chippenham already has an 80-bedroom budget hotel, operated by Travel Inn at the opposite end of the Cepen Way by-pass.

Opened in January 2001, the hotel was built alongside the existing Brewer's Fayre pub and restaurant and created 40 new jobs, while providing budget-type accommodation for families and business users.

But Mr Kingsley believes there is still a need for more accommodation.

"Chippenham is the growth town for north Wiltshire in terms of business and a new hotel would also serve the popular tourist trail," he said.

"We'd also like to see, in addition to a hotel, conference facilities and there is a capacity on the site for this.

"At the moment, Chippenham does not really have the conference facilities you would expect."

Methuen Park is one of north Wiltshire's fastest-growing business parks. Already boasting Securicor Information Systems, Westlea Housing Association and international technology group CODASciSys. Wincanton plc, the leading European supply chain solutions provider, also decided to consolidate its head office functions into one new bespoke office building on the site, earlier this year.

The new HQ will house more than 400 people and is expected to be ready for occupation early in 2005.

With its mix of high-profile businesses in the area and its proximity to the M4 and Bath, Alder King believe it is only a matter of time before the site is snapped up, whether by a hotelier or a business owner looking for space to site a 35,000 square foot business premises.

Murray Walker, chairman of Chippenham and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said a new hotel would be a valuable asset to the town.

"Chippenham Chamber of Commerce has recognised the importance of developing this gateway site," he said. "The further improvement of hotel and conferencing facilities in the area will encourage new businesses to Chippenham."