New depot plans revealed for Christie Miller site

Plans for a new central depot on the former Christie Miler site are set to go on public display, with residents invited to comment before a planning application is submitted later this summer. 

The proposed Wiltshire Council central depot would be built on the former sports centre and golf course site at Bowerhill, bringing together a range of services, including highways, waste, streetscene, a Household Recycling Centre, maintenance workshops, offices and parking. The council says the fit-for-purpose facility would support council services for the next 30 years and improve efficiency by reducing the number of depot sites across the county. 

The proposals will be on display at Melksham Community Campus from Monday 13th July to Friday 31st July. Display boards will show the proposed site layout, including enhanced Household Recycling Centre (HRC) facilities. Council officers and members of the project team will be available to answer questions on Tuesday 21st July from 10am to 4pm and Thursday 23rd July from 2pm to 7pm. 

Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of Wiltshire Coucil, said, “Designing a site that accommodates all these functions has been complex, with factors such as land covenants influencing the layout. While there is very limited scope to make changes to the overall design, we are keen to hear from residents about the plans for the Household Recycling Centre in particular as well as any concerns they may have or any local issues they feel we should be aware of. 

“We are carrying out this engagement ahead of submitting a planning application later this summer. Subject to planning approval, construction is expected to begin in 2027.” 

 Residents can view the proposals online at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/melksham-depot and submit comments by emailing CentralDepotProject@wiltshire.gov.uk by midnight on 31st July 2026. 

Pictured: an indicative illustration of the proposed depot