Plans for Devizes motorhome park near Kennet and Avon Canal

At a Community Committee meeting on Tuesday, August 13, Devizes town councillors will discuss the possibility of dedicated Aires parking slots at The Wharf Car Park.

Aires are designated parking slots for motorhomes and are growing in popularity in the UK amidst a rise in motorhome ownership since the pandemic.

A report on the proposal was placed on the agenda by Cllr Ian Hopkins and recommends members encourage Wiltshire Council to explore its feasibility.

This report suggests that The Wharf would be “the ideal location for an Aires Park" in Devizes and that the plans could “greatly help in the whole regeneration of the wider Wharf area.”

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Devizes Wharf during the 2018 canoe race

The report added: “It would be a welcome component that would complement the relocation of the museum and the impending opening of the cinema.

“It would also cement Devizes as being the heart of Wiltshire and an ideal base to explore the town and its surrounding attractions.”

It is believed The Wharf would be a suitable location for housing motorhomes visiting the town because of its proximity to both the town centre and the Kennet and Avon Canal.

There is also capacity for the large vehicles at the site, which already has basic facilities to cater to boaters living on the canal.

Town councillors must decide if they back the scheme and, if so, will need to convince Wiltshire Council to carry out the necessary feasibility work so a costed proposal can be approved.

At this early stage, it has not been revealed how many spaces in the car park may be reserved for motorhomes.

The Wharf in 2017

The report added that any study into the feasibility of providing motorhome parking should consider both the direct and indirect revenue it may bring.

In towns like Fleetwood, in Lancashire, motorhome tourism is a positive for the local economy and brings in £250,000 per year in parking fees.

It is hoped that this could be replicated in Wiltshire.

The report added: “Towns such as Fleetwood have been catering for camper vans for many years.

“Whilst it is clear that, as a coastal town, Fleetwood is different to Devizes, the principle is the same in that motorhome tourism can support the local economy as well as generating direct revenue through parking charges.”

It has also been suggested that any study compares the costs and benefits of motorhome parking at The Wharf with the “less attractive option” of Station Road Car Park.