Designs have been revealed for the transformation of a High Street shopping centre.
A public consultation has been launched to help determine the future of Emery Gate Shopping Centre, in Chippenham.
Acorn Property Group, which purchased the town centre property in 2022, is developing plans to transform the commercial space while also creating homes.
The proposal is still in its early stages, but initial designs have shown what the reimagined shopping centre could look like.
One map shows the creation of a “new quarter” where the Tesco superstore and car park currently is, while the other half of the building fronting the High Street would be “retail-led.”
READ MORE: Plans to be unveiled for major transformation of Wiltshire shopping centre
Other designs show external improvements to the current High Street frontage, where Poundland currently sits, and outdoor seating areas surrounded by homes and shopfronts.
Residents have been encouraged to share their views on the shopping centre’s future, with the developers emphasising plans are not finalised.
Dane Cummings, Acorn’s head of commercial property, said: “We’re currently undertaking a public consultation on our initial plans.
“We’ve had a fantastic reception so far with hundreds of people taking part at our in-person event, over the phone, by email and on our website.
“The passion for the success of Emery Gate is clear to see and we’d be delighted to receive even more feedback that will be instrumental in how our plans continue to progress.”
Acorn says the development would be the “biggest economic investment in Chippenham” for decades and would make the High Street “fit for the future.”
The firm hopes this would boost the day and evening economy while providing town centre living opportunities.
The plans come after Tesco, which occupies Emery Gate’s biggest unit, announced it would be closing its branch and relocating to the High Street.
READ MORE: Tesco to close its Chippenham Emery Gate superstore
Acorn says this announcement highlights a long term trend of declining footfall, and believes “radical” change is needed to protect the site’s future.
In a statement on the consultation website, a spokesperson said: “The site is a key pillar of the local high street.
“However, we’re continuing to see a decline in footfall at traditional shopping centres and Emery Gate is unfortunately no different, with Tesco only the latest casualty.
“We can’t hope that the retail sector turns the clock back 25 years.
“We have to do something different and embark upon a radical programme of change to secure Emery Gate’s future and support the rejuvenation of Chippenham town centre.”
Residents can keep up to date with the project by emailing emerygate-engage@jbp.co.uk or
calling 08001303270.
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