Co-op redevelopment plans see Wiltshire car park reopen

In July it was confirmed that the former Mill Street Co-op site in Calne would be sold to new developers.

These new owners have since been confirmed as Cedar Care Homes, which hopes to secure planning permission to transform the site into a care facility.

The car park to the rear of the eyesore building was fenced off during the sale but is now due to reopen from Saturday, September 14.

A temporary arrangement, made as a “gesture of goodwill” between the owners and the town council, will allow residents or those visiting the town centre to use the car park while planning consent is sought.

The agreement is, however, temporary and can be withdrawn if the car park is misused.

READ MORE: Calne town centre car park fenced off amid Co-op sale

The former Co-op building (Image: Newsquest)

A spokesperson for the town council said: “Agreement has been reached with Cedar Care Homes that temporary parking will be allowed on the Lower Pippin car park (former Co-operative car park), whilst planning permission is sought for the site.

“This is a limited arrangement whilst plans are approved and to help those who volunteer or visit the town centre and need parking.

“It may also be used by residents from The Pippin without off street parking during this period.”

Many had taken advantage of the free parking spaces at the site before the sale.

The car park will reopen in time for it to be used by those attending Calne’s Big Get Together event on Saturday, September 14.

The town council has warned residents that the developers are not running the space as a commercial car park and therefore will not accept any liability for damage or injury whilst on that land.

The car park behind the Co-op (Image: Newsquest)

Only taxed and insured vehicles are permitted to use the site.

Cedar Care Homes was founded over 35 years ago by a husband and wife team and remains a family business that focuses on a “strong regional presence.”

It has several homes in Bath and Bristol and expanded into Wiltshire with the purchase of Somerhill near Malmesbury in 2022.

Cedar specialises in “providing active care” and says it “looks forward to providing that service to residents of Calne who want to stay in the area but are not able to stay in their own homes.”

If the new home is approved, it is expected to provide full time employment for around 80 people.