• Swindon & Wiltshire Economy
• Friday February 13 2026

£50 million Chippenham redevelopment plan approved

Plans have been approved for a £50 million redevelopment scheme in Chippenham town centre.

The Chippenham Riverside Project will see 225 new homes and 17 retail and leisure facilities replace the town’s ailing shopping centre.

Developers and regeneration specialists Acorn Property Group say the scheme will “re-open the site to the town, creating a vibrant, sustainable destination at the heart of Chippenham and delivering more than 200 new homes alongside new public spaces, diverse landscaping, pedestrian routes and amenities.”

At a meeting of Wiltshire Council’s strategic planning committee this week, councillors unanimously voted to approve the proposals, which were submitted more than a year ago.

The council’s economy and regeneration service described the project as: “A transformational opportunity for the regeneration of Chippenham, securing its long-term vitality and viability, supporting future economic growth and wider town centre regeneration, which is essential for its ongoing prosperity.”

They added: “The proposal will help revitalise the town centre, creating a high-quality public realm, with flexible commercial provision and dynamic frontages that can adapt to future demand.”

Planning officers also noted the scheme’s contribution to place-making, describing the design as having “clear legibility, high-quality shopfronts and flexibility for the future.”

The council’s conservation officer welcomed the approach, stating: “This is a large central site and its redevelopment will have a lasting impact on the town. The proposed development offers significant opportunities for enhancement, with many positives set out within the design and development themes expressed.”

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 of HNW Architects, which designed the scheme, said: “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 of planning consultant 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.”