Corsham town centre eyes £5 million+ boost for shoppers and tourism
Corsham town centre looks set for its biggest capital investment in generations with the realisation of a key project, and further enhancements in the pipeline.
A scheme to redevelop the former Lloyds Bank building, vacant since 2017, has recently been completed, with Martingate and the Beckford Group finalising work in July on the new boutique hotel and restaurant, Corsham House.
Following approval in 2024, the listed building has been sensitively repurposed as a British brasserie and hotel, complete with an enclosed sun terrace and 11 bedrooms.
Dating back to 1737, the building will operate at net zero, powered by a combination of solar panels and a state-of-the-art battery system. Heating will be supplied via heat pumps, allowing the building to run without gas or oil.
As part of the Martingate portfolio alongside the adjacent shopping precinct, Corsham House is operated by the Beckford Group. Complementing the town’s thriving hospitality and retail offering, it provides opportunities to dine and stay in the heart of Wiltshire’s Georgian townscape.
The precinct itself is also due for a significant investment, with a planning application recently submitted to refurbish exteriors and enhance the public realm.
Pending approval, the combined investment in the town centre will exceed £5,000,000, the largest capital spend in Corsham since the 1970s.
Andrew Hall, Managing Director of Martingate – a family-owned business with its roots in Wiltshire – says the combined schemes will strengthen Corsham’s position as a destination for quality hospitality and eclectic shopping, set against a backdrop of understated Georgian splendour.
He said, “Corsham is a beautiful town with a proud and rich heritage, and we’re excited for this much-needed investment, which will transform the town centre into a unique place for people to discover, explore and share.
“As anyone who lives or works here will tell you, Corsham already has a sophisticated mix of independent shops, unrivalled hospitality and a broad range of places to work, explore and enjoy. We’re looking forward to enhancing this offering and enticing more people into what is perhaps the best kept secret in the South West.
Nicki Beazer, owner of florist Twigs and Willow, says that the business is looking forward to the development.
She said, “The investment in the town centre is definitely welcome as it will bring more footfall and give visitors and local people more choice.
“It’s important to us, and the town in general, that the works are undertaken in keeping with the area. Both projects strike that balance of forward-thinking investment and sensitivity to the local area. We’re looking forward to seeing it all come to fruition.”
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