A new group has been officially launched to campaign for a community green space at a High Street site next to St Lawrence Chapel.
The Chapel Green Association was formally launched by residents at a recent meeting at the Wellbeing Hub.
Plans to redevelop the site at 3 High Street into a new shop and ten flats were submitted to Wiltshire Council in 2024. After the previous building was demolished, some residents called for the site to be retained as an open green space to “enhance” the view of the adjacent chapel.
The new group is campaigning for the land to be kept as a community green.
“We had a good turnout,” said project campaigner Maggy Daniell. “We ended up where we wanted to be – Chapel Green Association is now set up. It has the twin aims of preserving the current enhanced view of the chapel by buying the demolition site next to it, and of converting it to a community green. This would be transformative for the town centre, giving it a much-needed green heart.
“It’s something that people obviously care about, but don’t yet know how it could come about; as residents we aren’t used to having such influence over the look of our high streets!”
The group understands the owner may be open to selling the site and hopes to raise funds to purchase the land through donors. Contributors would become members of the association and would receive their money back if the purchase is not completed.
“We want the whole community behind us in this; it’s a unique opportunity to improve the town centre by our own actions, and we’ll all benefit,” Maggy said.
The association is planning a series of summer events to raise funds for the campaign.
To find out more, suggest fundraising ideas or become a member, contact hello@chapelgreenproject.org.uk. Campaign updates can be found at chapelgreenproject.org.uk.
