Town's regeneration plan to be reviewed by council

The plan will see improvements to the riverside in Chippenham

A plan that will “regenerate” Chippenham’s town centre is ready to be reviewed by Wiltshire Council’s cabinet.

The One Plan for Chippenham is a strategy designed to boost the town’s economy, enhance its environment, and celebrate its heritage.

The plan will also aim to improve the retail offer within the town centre.

The report says that traditional high street use for "necessities" shopping has declined, and "Chippenham has not been immune to these trends".

Other projects identified by the plan include a £15m Chippenham Avon Project which will see a floodgate and weir replaced by smaller weirs.

Another is the enhancement of the river frontage, to the rear of Emery Gate and across Monkton Park, with facilities for food, beverage, and leisure.

Wiltshire Council’s cabinet will vote on an endorsement of the One Plan at its meeting in Trowbridge County Hall on Tuesday, October 8.

The report that will be presented to them states: “There is clear evidence that town centres across the country have experienced significant economic headwinds in recent years, including the impact of online shopping, new working patterns and the broader economic downturn and associated cost of living challenges of recent years.

“Traditional forms of high street uses and the reason for those visits have declined and evidence shows that consumers expect a broader offer based on experiences rather than just the ability to buy necessities; Chippenham has not been immune to these trends.”