£75 million funding boost for key transport scheme in Chippenham

Wiltshire Council has been allocated £75 million from the Government's Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF) to support the potential longer-term growth of Chippenham.

This major investment boost will support the creation of a new relief road to the east and south of Chippenham, linking the A350 at the northern and southern ends of the town, as well as specific improvement works at J17 on the M4.

These infrastructure improvements will help ease the severe congestion currently experienced by people who live or travel through Chippenham and provide additional road capacity for the future.

It will also unlock development land that could support up to 7,500 new homes in Chippenham and 1 million sq ft of commercial space over the next 25 years without causing additional infrastructure problems. This additional housing for Chippenham is at a build rate similar to the last 25 years and is being considered as part of the Local Plan review.

This funding will enable Wiltshire Council and Chippenham Town Council to deliver benefits to the local community in advance of any new housing developments taking place.

Additional benefits will include investment in Chippenham town centre and new facilities such as schools, health, open space, improved connectivity, including cycling and walking routes, and additional road capacity to meet the increasing levels of traffic using them both now and in the future.

Cllr Philip Whitehead, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: "We're delighted to be awarded £75 million through the Housing Infrastructure Fund. The bidding process is highly competitive so to secure this funding demonstrates confidence in our ability to deliver these important transport improvements and our economic and housing aspirations.

"The funding provides us with a welcome opportunity to get things right from the start and have the right infrastructure in place before any additional development takes place in and around the town centre, which is exactly what residents have told us they want.

"We know some of Chippenham's infrastructure is already at capacity which causes problems for the residents every day of the week. This essential investment will help provide a sustainable network fit for the 21st century and enable growth both in employment and housing in Chippenham. Added improvements will also include enhancement of the town centre and access to it, new community facilities and new public green space all of which will have a positive impact on people's lives across Chippenham and the surrounding areas."

Cllr Sandie Webb, Leader of Chippenham Town Council said: "The success of the HIF bid is great news - now the hard work starts. The infrastructure which will be delivered by this project supports all of our key priorities which underpin our Corporate Strategic Plan2018-2022. We now look forward to our partnership with Wiltshire Council that will shape the future of the Town."

The bidding process is highly competitive so to secure this funding demonstrates confidence in our ability to deliver these important transport improvements and our economic and housing aspirations