Stonehenge
One of the main gateways into Chippenham will be transformed into an area of colour when a wildflower meadow springs up at the site of the old Bridge Centre.
The long-term objective for the site is as part of a major redevelopment scheme, as set out in the Chippenham Masterplan. In the meantime, it is being used to provide extra parking capacity for the town centre.
Contractors have levelled a 450m² area and sown a mix of wildflower seed and installed low level fencing turning an uninspiring plot of land into a welcoming entrance to the town.
Wiltshire Council has funded the project and Chippenham Town Council will now take on the management of the meadow.
Toby Sturgis, Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for spatial planning, development management and property, said: “The idea for this came from local people, and we are thrilled to get it off the ground and turn this area of the town into something much more picturesque. I’m sure the expanse of wildflowers will create a much more attractive entry into Chippenham.
“The project also marks a welcome and fruitful partnership with our friends from Chippenham Town Council. ”
Cllr Sandie Webb, Leader of Chippenham Town Council said: “It is good to see how well both our respective councils and councillors are working together to bring positive results for Chippenham.
“When the weather eventually breaks and we have our green and pleasant land back once again, we have the prospects of a lovely wild flower meadow in the centre of town where there was once only rubble.”
Wiltshire and Town Councillor, Nick Murry, in whose ward the old Bridge Centre is located, led the campaign for improving the site, following consultations with local residents and other councillors. He said: “I’d like to thank Wiltshire Council for finding the funds and responding positively to our proposals for tidying up the site. Whilst it’s a temporary solution, I think it’s a big improvement. We now need to focus on a long term, high quality development solution for this area of our town.”
