THE QUARTERS
The Artisans Quarter
The Artisan Quarter is a gateway to Chippenham which contributes to the town centre story via its diversity and the newly developing artisan character. It is linked into the other areas of the town by both the pedestrian railway bridge and the magnificent Brunel Arches which together with the Quarters unique diversity contributes to the overall depth of the 'Chippenham experience'.
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This Quarter has it all - from the large multinationals, such as B&M and Pure Gym, to the expanding quirky areas of Old Road and Union Road, which sit together with long-established businesses in the arterially significant area of New Road.
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It is here that you will find the town's three-screened cinema alongside dentists, opticians, vets, and a wealth of independent traders, all operating within the main walking and cycling route into other parts of the town from the most populated residential areas of Chippenham.
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The Quarter is led by two local business-people who have been trading in the area for many years and who are supported by a variety of people that understand the prospects this Quarter has for future growth.
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These are many plans in the pipeline which will see this area link up more with the vast population of students who attend college the other side of the track, and attract visitors to the town to turn right when they leave the station and discover this independent area of Chippenham.
The Heritage Quarter covers the Causeway through to the Marketplace, St. Mary Street and Timber Street, with a uniqueness of its own plus a vast range of historic and artistic qualities - and it does not stop there...
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The historic, Angel Hotel dominates the lower marketplace opposite an area known as the Shambles, where the main trading used to place, while Chippenham Muserum, the grade on listed Yelde Hall, and the Butter Cross, all sit within the shadow of the Parish Church and War Memorial.
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Combine all of this with the popular library, restaurants/cafes, and a variety of other venues/businesses, and it can clearly be seen that this Quarter has much to contribute to the uniqueness of Chippenham town centre.
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The team here is led by 'The Cause' maestro who is Chippenham born and bred, alongside the experienced and affable Curator of Chippenham Museum and is an area that has just begin its journey to promote the heritage and arts that our lovely town has to offer.
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It is an area which will continue to be in the memory of tourists and visitors alike long after they have moved on.
The Heritage Quarter
The River & Rail Quarter
Of all the town quarters the River & Rail Quarter is the most diverse - stretching from Bath Road through to the Brunel Arches, Station Hill, Wiltshire College, Wiltshire History Centre, then on into Monkton Park with its Olympiad Leisure Centre and Gold club.
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It affords a wide range of services which comprise retail offer, preloved shops, the evening economy, charity organisations, gymnasiums, businesses, and the service sector and is linked to the High Street Quarter by the town bridge and to the Artisan Quarter by the footbridge over the railway.
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Its importance is obvious, with over 2000 students attending Wiltshire College; the Wiltshire History Centre attracting visitors from far and wide; and the train station acting as both an entry to and an exit from the town centre for hundreds of community members and visitors each day.
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In addition, Bath Road is home to Alliance Pharma who have revitalised the old Nestlé building and employ 100+ staff, and to both Chippenham Borough Lands and Doorway Charity.
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This important Quarter is led by an ebullient local resident, assisted by an independent trader who runs a bespoke small bar, and supported by a diverse team of local people who have the vision and work ethic to ensure that any future developments within this section will reflect a close working relationship with the community.
The High Street Quarter
The High Street Quarter in any town forms an important central area for attracting footfall with its preponderance of national names and Chippenham is no different. However, the inward investment that is coming at this time of change for shopping habits is a significant sign of optimism.
The two main shopping centres are the focus of this by national companies, Evolve Estates and Acorn PG, who are working alongside the Economic Development department at Wiltshire council and the Town Partnership Board to produce a Masterplan in conjunction with input from the Town Community Team.
These investments are coupled with work by the Environment Agency that has plans (and money in budget) to replace the Radial Gate on the river Avon - work that could alter the camber of the river and enhance the ‘leisure and pleasure’ aspect of our modern town centres regeneration plans.
Members of this Quarter combine to form a huge diversity of energy and experience, with the Evolves Regional Estates Manger in the chair alongside a new independent trader to the town who has recently opened a popular Wine Bar in this area.
