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Plans for revamped shopping centre and homes unveiled

Sammy Jenkins
BBC News, Wiltshire
Acorn Property Group A visualisation of Acorn Property Group's plans. A car park entrance and cafe can be seen on the lowest level with people sitting down, relaxing on a large set of oversized steps. The level above is made up largely of an open terrace with seating for nearby restaurants. There are then three storeys of residential space above the commercial units. The entire area is very green with trees and shrubbery planted all around.Acorn Property Group
The plans include 225 homes as well as space for restaurants, retail, health and leisure venues

More than 200 homes could be built during the redevelopment of a town's shopping centre.

Acorn Property Group, which owns Emery Gate Shopping Centre in Chippenham, has submitted its plans for the site to Wiltshire Council.

The developer hopes to create 225 homes at the site alongside 40,000 sq ft of commercial space which would be used for retail, health, leisure and food venues.

The "ambitious" project is a "once in a generation opportunity to transform and enhance" Chippenham, according to Acorn's head of commercial property Dane Cummings.

"The redevelopment of Emery Gate represents the largest investment in Chippenham in decades, enhancing the town's commercial, leisure and residential offerings," he added.

Acorn Property Group The exterior of Emery Gate shopping centre in Chippenham on a sunny day. It is a three story, stone building. Boards outside are advertising the shopping centre. The front of F. Hinds jewellery store and Lloyds Bank is visible on the left while Fone Zone and Poundland are on the right.Acorn Property Group
Acorn Property Group hopes to redevelop Emery Gate Shopping Centre in Chippenham

Acorn Property Group said it submitted its plans following consultation with stakeholders and engagement sessions with more than 600 members of the public.

The firm said The Chippenham Riverside scheme would "sensitively integrate" with nearby Island Park and would "protect valued green space" while creating new and improved access routes from High Street to the River Avon.

"Acorn Property Group is committed to delivering a project that will provide lasting value and contribute to the town's future growth," Mr Cummings said.

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