Home / Environment / Chippenham's £24m Sluice Gate Upgrade Set for 2028
Chippenham's £24m Sluice Gate Upgrade Set for 2028
20 Mar
Summary
- A £24m upgrade to Chippenham's aging sluice gate is planned to start in 2028.
- The project aims to replace the gate with natural rock weirs to reduce flood risk.
- Approximately £20m of the total £24m funding has already been secured for the upgrade.
A significant £24 million upgrade for Chippenham's aging sluice gate is scheduled to commence in late spring 2028, with completion expected by 2030. This essential project is designed to substantially reduce the risk of flooding in the town centre.
Currently, about £20 million of the total £24 million cost has been secured. The Environment Agency is planning a public consultation this autumn, followed by a planning application in winter. The project aims to replace the existing gate with a series of low rock weirs.
Detailed design work will take place throughout 2027. The sluice gate, built in the late 1960s, almost required demolition in 2024 when it became stuck. Funding issues previously delayed replacement plans.
This upgrade is considered even more important following the approval of the Chippenham Riverside project, which includes a new shopping centre and residential homes. The combined schemes are intended to boost the riverfront's potential and the town's economic vitality.
