Acorn Property Group has secured planning permission to regenerate Emery Gate Shopping Centre into a mixed-use neighbourhood.
The scheme will deliver more 225 new homes alongside new public spaces, routes and amenities.
Proposals also include 43,000 sq ft of commercial space for retail, health, leisure, and dining.
Wiltshire Council’s strategic planning committee unanimously approved the proposals at a meeting this week, more than a year after they were first submitted.
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.
“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.”
Rob Reeds, director at Lambert Smith Hampton, also added: “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.”
Artist impression of Chippenham Riverside (HNW Architects)
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