What Could the Future Hold for Chippenham Town Centre?

One of the biggest town centre transformation projects in Chippenham's recent history has taken another step forward, with plans for a £50 million regeneration of Emery Gate moving closer to becoming reality.

The ambitious redevelopment, known as Chippenham Riverside, would completely reimagine part of the town centre, bringing new homes, leisure attractions, shops, cafés and restaurants to the heart of Chippenham.

While construction is not expected to begin immediately, planning approval has now been secured, giving residents a clearer picture of what the future of the town centre could look like.

A New Chapter for Emery Gate

For many local people, Emery Gate has long been a familiar part of Chippenham's shopping scene. The proposed redevelopment aims to breathe new life into the area by creating a vibrant mixed-use destination where people can live, shop, eat and spend time with friends and family.

Plans include 225 new homes alongside a refreshed commercial offering designed to attract visitors into the town centre and support local businesses.

The project forms part of the wider Chippenham One Plan, a long-term vision focused on improving the town centre and strengthening connections between the town and the river.

Something New Is Coming Sooner

Although the wider regeneration project is still working through legal and planning processes before construction can begin, there is some more immediate news for local families.

Developers Acorn Property Group have revealed plans for a new leisure attraction within the former Tesco unit at Emery Gate.

While details have yet to be announced, the attraction is expected to bring a new reason for residents and visitors to spend time in the town centre while longer-term regeneration plans progress.

The large unit has remained vacant since Tesco relocated to a smaller store in 2024, making the announcement an exciting prospect for local families looking for new activities closer to home.

Looking Ahead

Major regeneration projects rarely happen overnight, and several steps remain before work can begin on site. However, with planning approval now in place and a clear vision emerging, Chippenham residents can start to imagine what the next chapter for their town centre might look like.

New homes, new leisure opportunities and fresh investment could help shape a more vibrant future for Chippenham, creating a destination that serves both residents and visitors for years to come.

For now, all eyes will be on what arrives first in the former Tesco store and how the next stages of the Riverside project unfold.