Town centre business park to become Melksham’s new ‘cultural quarter’

PLANS are moving forward to create a “vibrant” riverside leisure and business quarter at Avonside, in the town centre. 

Owners of Avonside – formerly known as Avonside Enterprise Park – Create Real Estate, are “reinventing” the site as “Melksham’s new cultural quarter”, for “work, play and relaxation”.  

Over recent months, they have introduced a popular street food pop-up event and an artisan outdoor market. 

And future plans include adding “al fresco, riverside spaces for taking a break and getting close to nature”.  

And the owners say that the former dairy factory will have work and studio spaces available for businesses to rent, “from small stripped-back studios, to light and bright entire floors and impressive double-height lofts”. 

The ambitious plans have been given the thumbs up by local MP, Michelle Donelan, who recently met with the owners of Avonside, to find out more about what she describes as “exciting plans for the riverside site”.  

Michelle Donelan MP said, “Melksham has great potential. The population of the town and the surrounding area has grown rapidly in recent years, so there is a much larger market for leisure and hospitality businesses than 20 years ago.  

“I really think there is a fantastic opportunity at Avonside because of its waterfront position and the iconic tower that makes the site stand out. I want to support enthusiastic business leaders to deliver their visions that improve life for the people of Melksham and the surrounding area, and I think a quality retail and leisure facility would really bring people back into the town centre.” 

Director at Create Real Estate, which owns Avonside, Ricky Humphreys, added, “We were thrilled to share our vision for Avonside with Michelle, who like us is excited by the huge potential of this perfectly located, riverside setting.  

“We are working to create a vibrant new quarter for both leisure and business which welcomes and celebrates independents and offers a unique culture and atmosphere. We’re delighted to have Michelle’s support.” 

Visit the Avonside website for more information: www.avonsidewilts.co.uk 

A spokesperson for the MP said, “In her meeting with the owners of Avonside, Michelle discussed the strategic location of the site, the riverfront potential and the opportunity to improve the retail and leisure offer in Melksham.  

“Melksham’s population has grown rapidly in recent years, but the infrastructure and facilities of the town have struggled to keep pace. In particular, Melksham is recognised as having less leisure and hospitality offering per head of the population than comparative towns and Michelle has explained that she’s delighted to see Create Real Estate’s investment and vision for Avonside and is keen to see this approach taken to other town centre locations.”