Extensive improvements to the railway viaduct and pedestrian underpass area on New Road are nearing completion and are already producing positive benefits. HPH Commercial Property have announced that national retailer Allied Carpets have agreed to take no. 55 New Road, part of the refurbishment programme of the former Dreams bed shop.
This new letting follows on swiftly from the major works which have been carried out to in-fill the pedestrian underpasses on New Road/Marshfield Road and to restore the railway viaduct.
In excess of £1 million is being invested in this area in projects funded by HPH Commercial Property, Wiltshire Highways in partnership with NWDC, the Town Council, the Railway Heritage Trust and Network Rail. The final phase of improvements will follow on later this year when a new floodlighting scheme will highlight this world heritage structure.
Work is now underway on the former Dreams bed shop (originally the home of Rowland Brotherhood who was Brunel’s main contractor in building the London to Bristol railway) with Ken Biggs Contractors Ltd appointed to carry out an extensive refurbishment of the property. The listed building contains many historical features which are being sympathetically restored in detailed consultation with North Wiltshire District Council Heritage Officers. Apart from the letting to Allied Carpets the project includes a further unit of 7,500 sq ft on ground and first floor which is available for either retail or pub/restaurant type occupation.
Commenting on the project, Chris Wordsworth, Development Director at HPH said: “We are delighted to have secured Allied Carpets as our anchor tenant for this new development. The fact that we have secured a national retailer of such calibre underscores the transition which is taking place in this area of Chippenham. The Western Arches are a fine example of Victorian architecture and the work which is taking place around them will create a new focus to the town centre. I believe that the continuing investment in this area, together with the influx of new retail business will reinforce Chippenham’s position as an up and coming centre in the South West.”
TRANSITION OF CHIPPENHAM’S NEW ROAD AREA UNDERPINNED BY ARRIVAL OF NATIONAL RETAILER
New Road, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 1EL
