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Chippenham Avon Project Masterplan Consultation document

5 The Chippenham Avon Project Masterplan

Reaches one to five

The river corridor extends from the west of the town centre and meanders along to the north east. For the purposes of Master Planning, the river has been divided into 5 distinct reaches.

The key focus of the river corridor redevelopment is to ensure the entire area around the river is fully accessible, allowing all residents and visitors to have better connections with the river, in conjunction with ecological enhancements and opportunities.

Many existing platforms and access steps are in poor condition. During the lowering trial in October 2023, an existing fishing platform on the bank of reach 3 was exposed. The front margin highlighted the reduced accessibility, which the masterplan aims to address.

During normal flow conditions, improvements to access will allow people to access the riverside areas safely, increasing use and enjoyment of the riverside area, contributing to wider town vitality and prosperity.

Public access at times of high river flows in the downstream Avon Valley Walk area is to be enabled through raised boardwalks crisscrossed along a naturalised wetland space.

Interpretation boards and wayfinding signage provide an opportunity to form part of a wider wayfinding strategy for Chippenham.

Existing cycle and pedestrian routes are to be enhanced, improving opportunities for movement throughout the area. The Sustrans cycle routes permeate the river corridor, and the masterplan seeks to strengthen and expand the foot and cycle paths within the central Chippenham area, from the River Avon corridor into the town centre.

The Chippenham Avon Project Masterplan sets out design principles and specific requirements for each of the phased areas.

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