Initial proposals aiming to bring around 1,000 new jobs to Wiltshire went on display at Lackham House last Wednesday.

Representatives from Crest Nicholson, which is leading the project, held their first consultation with the community discussing plans for development at Showell Farm.

Crest Nicholson wants to build four units across 55,000sqm of employment floorspace which could create over 1,000 jobs, when complete, in the logistics, advanced engineering and manufacturing sectors.

Development executive, Kenny Duncan, said: “Today’s event is really useful for us to meet the public and gauge their opinion as well as getting some valuable feedback. If needed, we will be holding further consultations in the near future.”

Managing director John Terry said that Crest Strategic Projects holds the freehold for approximately 18 hectares of land at Showell Farm, based between the A350 and B4528, across from Showell Nurseries and close to Wiltshire College Lackham.

He said: “Delivering jobs for Chippenham is a priority for Wiltshire Council which has identified Showell Farm as a strategic employment site in its emerging development plan, the Core Strategy.

“The council’s employment land review has identified that Showell Farm could meet over 80 per cent of the land needed for economic growth in Chippenham until 2026. We are committed to delivering the land to meet this need and Crest Nicholson is intending to submit an outline planning application later this year.”

Crest Nicholson will be compiling a report from the feedback before deciding whether another consultation event is needed. It will then submit a planning application to Wiltshire Council. Representatives said that they have also received interest from potential occupiers of units at the site.

For more visit www.showellfarmchippenham.com