Acorn Property Group has secured planning consent for the £50m redevelopment of Emery Gate Shopping Centre in Chippenham.
The ‘Chippenham Riverside’ scheme will transform the shopping centre into a high quality mixed-use neighbourhood, reconnecting the High Street with Island Park and the River Avon.
Designed by HNW Architects, the scheme will provide 4,000 sq m (circa 43,000 sq ft) of retail, health, leisure and dining space, alongside 225 new homes and new public realm.
Dane Cummings, head of commercial property at Acorn Property Group, said: “We are delighted to secure planning permission for Chippenham Riverside. Emery Gate is a pivotal site, and this decision allows us to invest with confidence in a development that will support the town’s economy, create sustainable new homes and bring long-term benefits for residents, businesses and visitors alike. A destination for residents of all ages. Chippenham Riverside builds on our long history of transforming complex town centre sites into thriving, future-ready destinations. We look forward to continuing to work with Wiltshire Council and the local community as the project moves forward.”
Lee Davies, director at HNW Architects, added: “Emery Gate is one of those sites that really matters. It sits between the High Street, the river and the park, yet for years it has turned its back on all three. This approval recognises the opportunity to do something fundamentally better – to repair the townscape, open up the riverside and create a piece of Chippenham that works throughout the day and into the evening.
“This has been a collaborative, design-led process shaped by the town’s history, landscape and community. Chippenham Riverside is well placed to act as a catalyst for wider regeneration, and we’re proud to see our vision approved as we look ahead to delivering a sustainable, flexible and civic transformation for the town.”
Rob Reeds, director at Lambert Smith Hampton, said: “This decision reflects a clear and well-balanced planning judgement. The Emery Gate proposals respond directly to both adopted and emerging planning policy, while addressing the long-recognised need to regenerate this part of Chippenham town centre.
“The scheme delivers substantial public benefits – from improved connectivity and high quality public realm to new homes in a highly sustainable location – and it is particularly encouraging to see the council recognise the importance of flexible, mixed-use development in supporting the long-term vitality of town centres. We’re pleased to have supported the project through a positive and collaborative planning process.”
