REGENERATION TO REDEFINE MELKSHAM
Melksham has reached a key crossroads in its future as a key site which has provided employment for well over 100 years in the town is set for regeneration . In early 2024 bids were invited for the 68-acre site which includes greenfield as well as brownfield elements . In February the deadline for bids was further extended .
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The town faces a huge opportunity to create something truly special for the community , taking advantage of the site ’ s riverside location and close proximity to both the town centre and Melksham railway station .
As ever , balancing the need for housing with the need for employment space , community facilities and open space is the challenge that faces planners , countered by the realistic return on investment for the owners and developers .
Wiltshire Councillor Phil Alford , Cabinet Member for Housing , Strategic Assets and Asset Transfer and Ward Councillor for the site , sees huge potential for the former tyre factory . He said , “ Locally , the feeling is still mixed around the town , there is an element of resigned acceptance of the loss of the factory , but this is coupled with hope , positively , excitement for the possibility of what is to come and an eagerness to see it developed for the better .
“ The site is steeped in recent local history and is connected to most people who have lived here for any length of time . Many of us worked or had family and friends who worked there and growing up it shaped local culture through the Melksham House social club , its shift patterns , the annual shutdowns or the contribution to town events , sports teams and facilities .
“ The site is very big and sits in a prominent position within the town which means that any development is going to have a huge impact on the sustainability of the town centre , transport in and around the town as well as the local amenity so it is vital that it respects the local heritage , enhances the offer for existing residents , improves mobility and that for future residents , it is connected and integrated within the existing town community . It cannot be developed in isolation . Of course , it is easy to come up with a wish list for the site and some people will make demands that don ’ t stack up for any developer but a prospective owner who is prepared to work with other relevant organisations and see the wider potential will find an open-minded town that is keen to work with them .”
Cllr Alford has suggested that the main considerations for the redevelopment will include :
• Suitable vehicular access off of and onto the A350 .
• Reengineering of the A350 to add pavements , crossings and better connect the north of the town .
• Shops / restaurants facing the river , park and town bridge .
• Walking and cycling routes along the river frontage connecting the town to other existing developments .
• Wider consideration of the weir , river and flooding .
• Preservation of the listed buildings on the site and other non-designated heritage assets .
• Provision of biodiverse public open space .
• A cinema and medical facilities would also be welcome .
Cllr Alford added , “ For local businesses this is a real opportunity , not just in terms of the construction phase as it brings in workers and investment but for the future of the high street as the hundreds of new residents look to the shops and services within the town . A development that enhances the visual and cultural amenity within the town will reshape the offer to the existing residents but also the many new residents to the East of the town helping to secure the future of the high street and reestablishing the wider town as a place to visit and live . Other developments locally that people often look to when discussing the site include St Stephens in Trowbridge and the old Avon site in Bradford on Avon however , any developer will need to work with other agencies to achieve the right outcomes .”
Melksham business owner , Sam Gooding of Gooding Accounts , said , “ Whilst the general feeling in the town is one of loss , the change does present the opportunity for regeneration and to breathe new life into the town . The community definitely has strong views about what the site should become , these views are not always the same but most feel that there shouldn ’ t be any further housing development in the town without additional supporting infrastructure – there ’ s a particular need for doctors surgeries !
“ Locally , the feeling is mixed around the town , there is an element of resigned acceptance of the loss of the factory , but this is coupled with hope , positively excitement for the possibility of what is to come ”
“ There ’ s a strong feeling that the vacant site ( along with the old Blue Pool site in the centre of town ) is an opportunity to bring investment in the town . With the recent development of the community campus the town feels well supported for leisure facilities but with a huge increase in housing over the past few years hospitality is popular local choice for the redevelopment along with retail which many feel has been gradually lost from the town centre .
“ Be it offices or hospitality the area around the river has huge potential as a location to attract businesses to the region and increase employment . The riverside area , when developed , could certainly enhance the appearance of the area , and whilst employment should play an important role in the redevelopment it would be unlikely that any jobs created would be equivalent to those lost from factory .
“ In an ideal world it would be great to see a mix of offices , housing , hospitality and supporting infrastructure creating a ‘ riverside ’ community . Realistically , perhaps a split of retail park including hospitality outlets could best serve the local area . The community feel that the site is part of the history of the town and whatever replaces it should retain some reference to a site that has been there for over 100 years !”
Dan Barfoot , Operations Manager at Melksham-based CMD Recruitment , said , “ We think it is key for the town as there is definitely a shortfall in smaller business units and could be a good chance for them to attract more business locally .
“ There is always a demand for office space as its been good for Avonside to grow and start to fill up , and rather then be a mass development give businesses the chance to but smaller plots of land and own their own units purpose built that means they are there for the long term .
“ A good balance to support the community , which more utility services like doctors , dentists etc as its ok to keep building houses but the local infrastructure is stretched already . I think as with any land it is key as keep jobs local but entice employers to be here .”
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