Chippenham Avon Project could redevelop town's waterfront

The weir and aging radial gate on the River Avon at the heart of Chippenham could be scrapped and replaced with smaller weirs, under a proposal by the Environment Agency.

A public consultation on the plans will run from April 16 until 5pm on May 28.

The weir has previously been branded “ugly” by locals and it is hoped that replacing it would enhance the amenity and ecological value of the river.

These plans could also see additional enhancements to the river throughout the town.

This proposed scheme falls under the wider Chippenham One Plan, which is the town centre masterplan that aims to boost the economy and environment in the area.

The River Avon in Chippenham (Image: Environment Agency)

Ron Curtis, the Environment Agency’s flood risk manager for the area, said he was “excited” to present the preferred improvement works plan.

He added it would address “major operational and safety concerns” over the current structure.

Mr Curtis said: “It will assist in keeping people safe from flooding whilst enabling the local ecology to thrive and also enhance the amenity value of the area.”

At the same time, Wiltshire Council will be running a parallel consultation on the development of a Chippenham Avon Project Masterplan.

This scheme aims to provide better flood mitigation, improve the public realm in the town centre, and provide a focal point for the area.

Council leader Cllr Richard Clewer hopes the project will leave a “lasting legacy of riverside green space” for residents.

He added: “It is important that local people have a voice in developing the Chippenham Avon Project Masterplan which will act as a blueprint for the development and improvement of this wonderful natural resource and its surroundings.”

The gate during high river levels (Image: Newsquest)

During the six-week consultation residents can answer questionnaires online to voice their opinions about either the Environment Agency proposal or the Chippenham Avon Project.

Joint public events to discuss both proposals will be held from 2pm to 7pm at the council’s Monkton Park office (April 19), and the Town Hall (April 22 and May 8).

A webinar will also be held on April 17 via Microsoft Teams and people can register interest by emailing Communications@wiltshire.gov.uk.

Hard copies of the questionnaires can be found at Michelle Donelan’s office, the council’s Monkton Park office, the town council reception, the library, Chippenham Community Eco Hub, and The Olympiad.

Feedback can be returned to Major Projects at Wiltshire Council on Bythesea Road in Trowbridge.