Acorn secures planning for Chippenham Riverside

Acorn Property Group has secured planning permission for the redevelopment of the Emery Gate shopping centre in Chippenham, marking a significant step forward in the town’s regeneration.

The scheme, to be known as Chippenham Riverside, will transform the underperforming retail centre into a mixed-use development designed to revitalise the town centre, introduce new housing and create a more flexible commercial offer.

Wiltshire Council approved the proposals following a recommendation from planning officers, who concluded that the scheme would deliver both housing and economic benefits. In the officer’s report, it was stated: “The proposals would redevelop a brownfield site, provide additional housing that would help to meet housing land supply requirements and generate additional vitality within the commercial area. The proposal would provide a new flexible shopping area that would be a positive addition to the town centre to support enhanced vitality and viability.”

The redevelopment targets a site that has seen declining footfall in recent years, reflecting wider structural challenges in the retail sector. Emery Gate, once a key retail anchor in the town, has experienced a gradual reduction in occupiers, highlighting the need for a new approach to secure its long-term future.

Acorn’s masterplan seeks to reposition the site as a catalyst for change within Chippenham, aligning with the ambitions set out in the Chippenham One Plan and Neighbourhood Plan. The scheme is intended to support a shift away from reliance on traditional retail and instead introduce a more resilient mix of residential and commercial uses.

The approved plans will deliver new homes on the brownfield site alongside updated and flexible retail space designed to enhance activity in the town centre. By increasing the residential population within walking distance of the high street, the development aims to boost footfall and support existing businesses.

Acorn submitted its planning application in December 2024 following two rounds of public consultation during 2024. The proposals were refined in response to community feedback before being presented to Wiltshire Council’s Strategic Planning Committee.

The project forms part of a broader trend of town centre repurposing, with developers and local authorities increasingly turning to mixed-use redevelopment to address declining retail demand and meet housing supply targets.

With planning now secured, Chippenham Riverside moves into the delivery phase, representing a pivotal moment for the future of Emery Gate and the wider town centre.