Earlier this year, Wiltshire Council approved the £50m Chippenham Riverside scheme, which will replace the Emery Gate shopping centre with 225 new homes, around 4,000 sq m of commercial and community space, and new routes linking the High Street to Island Park and the river. As leading estate agents in Chippenham, we think it is one of the most significant changes the town centre has seen in years, and it is worth understanding what has been agreed, and what hasn’t, before drawing any conclusions.
What has actually been approved?
The scheme, known as Chippenham Riverside, received planning approval earlier this year. It will see the existing Emery Gate shopping centre replaced by a mixed-use neighbourhood of homes, shops, workspace and community space. Approval is an important milestone, but it is not the same as construction starting, and it is sensible to treat any timeline for completion with patience until work is formally under way.
What kind of homes will the scheme include?
The plans include 225 homes in total, made up of:
- 102 one-bedroom homes
- 115 two-bedroom homes
- 8 three-bedroom homes
That mix leans heavily towards smaller properties, which is likely to appeal to first-time buyers, downsizers and people who want to live close to the shops, cafés and the river. It brings a substantial number of new homes right into the heart of the town.
How could it change the feel of the town centre?
Alongside the homes, the scheme includes around 4,000 sq m of commercial and community space, and it is designed to open up routes from the High Street to Island Park and the river. For many residents, that reconnection could be the most noticeable change. A town centre that people live in, rather than just visit, tends to feel busier in the evenings and more welcoming at weekends.
How does Emery Gate fit into the Chippenham One Plan?
The redevelopment forms part of the Chippenham One Plan, a wider vision for the town centre’s future. Rather than a standalone project, it is one piece of a longer-term effort to make the centre more attractive to live in, work in and visit. That bigger picture matters, because the benefits of regeneration usually build gradually as different parts come together.
What does this mean for homeowners and sellers?
If you own a home in or near the town centre, the scheme is a positive story to be aware of, but it is not a reason to change your plans overnight. Buyers will still judge your property on its condition, its price and how it compares with similar homes nearby. That said, being able to talk confidently about the town’s direction can help buyers, particularly those relocating, picture what life in Chippenham could look like.
What should buyers keep in mind?
For buyers, the scheme is a reason to look closely at the town centre, but with realistic expectations. Construction projects of this size take time, and there may be some disruption along the way. With the Bank of England holding the base rate at 3.75% in September and average two-year fixed rates at 5.93% according to Moneyfacts, getting a mortgage agreement in principle early remains a sensible first step.
Phillip Bishop of Perry Bishop commented:
‘Approval for Emery Gate is an encouraging sign of confidence in Chippenham town centre, but schemes like this take time to deliver. Our advice to buyers and sellers is to keep an eye on its progress, and to base decisions on the home in front of you rather than on what may follow in the years ahead.’
If you are considering a sale near Chippenham town centre or searching for your next property here, our friendly local advisors at Perry Bishop are ready to guide you. Contact us today for an informal, obligation-free discussion.
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