Tesco Emery Gate closure a 'sad day' for Chippenham

Tesco has confirmed it will be leaving its unit at the Emery Gate shopping centre in Chippenham and relocating to a smaller premises on the High Street.

The loss of the town centre superstore, which will be replaced by a Tesco Express just a short distance from the shopping centre, has sparked disappointment for shoppers on social media.

Taking to Facebook, Aneta Nieznane voiced fears that the move will pose an issue for town centre residents.

She said: “I don't have a car, that's why I go to Tesco so often for large shopping... it's a pity that the opportunity to shop is taken away from people who use this store almost every day and don't have to use public transport to go shopping.”

Others believe that the closure may “impact other shops” and spell bad news for the area.

Tesco Emery Gate (Image: Newsquest)

Lisa Blackburn said: “What needs to be really questioned is how an ever-growing town like Chippenham can't keep a supermarket that has been there for a long time but clearly doesn't want to be there anymore in the same capacity?”

Trudy Kelly added: “Having an even larger empty unit is not going to be good, there are just not the retailers out there who want this kind of space now.”

Some believe Tesco’s decision to downsize is due to the impact of parking costs on retailers in the town.

“In my opinion it's all down to parking”, said Max Allan.

“Go to Sainsbury’s, Lidl, Aldi, Morrisons and you get free parking without having to fight your way into town… high parking charges are killing the town centre.”

Other locals were more positive and hoped a change could spark the rejuvenation of the Emery Gate area.

Tesco Emery Gate (Image: Newsquest)

Chris Dallimore said: “I wonder what will replace Tesco? This part of the town needs rejuvenation including the car park. Maybe this is an opportunity for a big change?”

It has not yet been confirmed when Tesco will close their store or where on the High Street the new store will open.

A Tesco spokesperson said: “We have taken the difficult decision to close our Chippenham Superstore.

“We have however secured a new smaller premises in Chippenham town centre which we will open as Tesco Chippenham High Street Express, and we look forward to continuing to serve our customers at our local stores.”