SPOTLIGHT ON CHIPPENHAM
It ’ s been a year since we ran our last Spotlight on Chippenham feature . Here we look at how the town centre has developed in the last year and what ’ s to come for 2017 .
2016 was a busy and successful year for Chippenham particularly in the retail space , welcoming Patisserie Valerie , Edinburgh Woollen Mill and Prezzo .
Chippenham Business Improvement District ( BID ) work on a number of events throughout the year to encourage residents and visitors into the town centre .
One of those events was the Chippenham Light Switch On . This brought 19,000 visitors to the town and their footfall counters recorded over 172,000 repeat visitors and 46,000 + new visitors in December alone .
Borough Parade Shopping Centre saw an increase in footfall on previous years , plus Emery Gate Shopping Centre reported footfall to be up by extraordinary levels .
Phil Maclean , Retail marketing manager for Emery Gate , said : “ We recorded our most successful December on record this year in terms of footfall . Reporting an 8 % increase , which equates to over 40,000 extra people when compared with December 2015 .”
“ 8 % increase , which equates to over 40,000 extra people !”
Things are looking bright for the town in 2017 with further companies opening up shop , including Coffee No 1 and the re-opening of The Garden , a well-loved independent café bar and grill that sadly suffered a fire last year . After being closed for a year locals are waiting in anticipation for owner John Paines to open the doors again .
Chippenham BID have also invested in their Town Hosts .
The team have recently completed their Security Industry Authority ( SIA ) training , continuing their commitment to ensuring Chippenham ’ s safety is maintained for visitors and businesses alike .
The Town Hosts patrol the town throughout the day , equipped with linked radio systems to businesses and security teams to keep on top of the activity going on within the town . They keep a close eye on potential antisocial behaviour and help identify and track shoplifters .
“ We recorded our most successful December on record ”
To improve the town ’ s night time economy , taxi mashals have been re-introduced to help maintain an enjoyable evening for visitors and a safe journey home . Ben Gregory , Chair of the Chippenham BID Board , said : “ We are really pleased to be bringing back the Taxi Marshals to Chippenham after working on this initiative with members of the Welcoming , Safe and Clean Sub-Committee . They add an extra element of visitor wellbeing within the vibrant evening scene in Chippenham , working closely with security and the Street Pastors to ensure revellers are safe on their night out .”
Businesses in Chippenham are eagerly awaiting the Chippenham Business Awards taking place on Thursday February 23 . The finalists have been selected and the winners will be announced on the night . To find out more about the awards and see the list of finalists visit : www . chippenhambusinessawards . co . uk
Chippenham events planner 2017
February
Tues Feb 28 - Shrove Tuesday
Chippenham Pancake race throughout the town . Bringing back all the fun from years before , the BID will be encouraging those with a penchant for pancakes to come along to Chippenham ’ s town centre … with a competitive twist !
April
Sat Apr 15 - Easter Eggstravaganza
The entire town is getting egg-cited for an Alice in Wonderland themed Easter EGGSTRAVAGANZA ! Wear your finest fancy dress for the chance to be in with winning a prize , check out delightfully dressed business windows in the town , rock out with the egg-stra special acts on the Main Stage at the Market Place , chase the Easter Bunny , meet the Mad Hatter and try some Easter arts and crafts along the way .
May
May 26 to 29 - Chippenham Folk Festival
June
June 23 to July 2 - ChippFest
July
Sat July 8 - Chippenham Chilli Fiesta
Think you can take on the world ’ s hottest chillis ? Come along to the UK ’ s hottest Chilli Festival and see for yourself in the Clash of the Titan ’ s Chilli Eating Competition – while browsing fantastic local chilli produce and learning more about the spicy little ingredient that packs a great punch !
Sat July 22 - Chippenham Carnival
Back by popular demand , Chippenham ’ s colourful Walking Carnival will include wonderful handmade ‘ floats ’, live music , Carnival Princes and Princesses , fancy dress and a whole load of fun !
August
Chippenham in Colour
Fun , seasonal artistic activities that you can put your personal touch to ! Colour in a giant pattern , create a special shop window display , spiral together some colourful string art or get creative with crochet .
Open Air Big Cinema / Screens
Throughout August showing free family films , sport events , outdoor seating , creative crafts . Dates TBC .
October
Artisan Markets from end of September and throughout October on Saturdays and Sundays
November
Fri Nov 24 - Christmas Light Switch On Event
( official switch on )
Sat Nov 25 - Christmas Light Switch On Event
December
Sat 9 / Sun 10 - Borough Parade Christmas Event
Giant Bauble with Snow Machine
Sat 16 / Sun 17 - Borough Parade & Heart Angels Christmas Event
Heart Angels , Santa Hotline , live Reindeers
26 THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2017