Discussions are ongoing between Wiltshire Council and developers over the ownership of land earmarked for a major shopping centre development.
Acorn Property Group is currently developing plans to create 225 homes at the Emery Gate shopping complex in Chippenham.
The proposals, which aim to reverse the centre’s declining attendance, will also include 40,000 square feet of renovated retail, leisure, food, and beverage businesses.
The redevelopment project includes incorporating Island Park into the property by developing a terrace overlooking it and creating new connections to the High Street.
The Wiltshire Council parking park that served the Tesco shop would also be affected, with hundreds of public places reduced.
To finish this development, it is suggested that Acorn acquire land now owned by Wiltshire Council.
Acorn confirmed that it was in conversations about land ownership, but that these were confidential.
A spokeswoman clarified: “Discussions around land ownership are being conducted confidentially and we are therefore unable to comment on this at the present time.”
Cllr Tamara Reay, cabinet member for assets, stated that the council was working to guarantee that the development could be built if it received planning clearance.
She further explained: “The Council is working with Acorn to determine the best way to ensure successful delivery of the site should planning permission be granted.”
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