Derelict old Co-op in Calne to be 'sold to new developers'

The former Co-op site on Mill Street in Calne has been vacant since April 2020 and looked set to be demolished for housing.

Plans were submitted by developer Hawkfield Home Ltd to redevelop the disused building into 26 new dwellings and a commercial space in July 2022.

But two years later, Wiltshire Council is yet to make a decision on the proposal, and the property is now expected to change hands.

In a message to residents, town councillor Michael Hudston revealed that the site is in the process of being sold to a care home company.

Cllr Hudston expects that this sale will be completed within a few weeks, before the former supermarket is “redeveloped into a care home.”

READ MORE: Plans to knock down derelict shop spark row over parking

The former Co-op building in Calne (Image: Newsquest)

In the meantime, the sale site has been required to enter a “state of vacant possession” meaning the open parts of the property are due to be fenced off.

This will include the car park to the north of the River Marden, at the bottom of The Pippin, which has been used by many for free parking in the town centre.

Cllr Hudston warned this is likely to “significantly impact” parking for residents in the surrounding streets.

The derelict building has been a magnet for anti-social behaviour and graffiti in recent years and Cllr Huston welcomed its redevelopment.

He said: “I reserve judgement on (whether) a care home is an appropriate development for this location until I have seen the proposed plans but anything that regenerates this site from the current eyesore that this site has been for four years, and which is likely to provide employment for 50 plus people, can only be a good thing.

“I do plan to speak to the developers to try and ensure that there is some public amenity remaining around the river and the development is moved away from the church similar to the previous plans had proposed.

The former Co-op building in Calne (Image: Newsquest)

“I do also intend to request that they consider reopening the carpark until closer to the time that development is to commence.”

Hawkfield Homes Ltd has not responded to previous requests for comment.

Their plans for over 20 townhouses at the site proved controversial with residents, and many people opposed the application over fears there would not be enough parking in the area to accommodate the development.