A New Era for Royal Wootton Bassett: Lidl Supermarket and Country Park
A long-awaited development in Royal Wootton Bassett has finally taken a significant step forward with the construction of a new Lidl supermarket and an adjacent country park. This project, which has been in the works for several years, is expected to bring substantial benefits to the local community.
Background and Challenges
The plans for the Lidl store were initially proposed in 2017, but they faced rejection due to concerns about the impact on the area. The original proposal included both a supermarket and a care home, which did not gain approval. In 2023, revised plans were submitted, focusing on a supermarket and a country park. These new proposals encountered various obstacles, particularly related to drainage issues. However, the site was eventually given the green light in September 2023, paving the way for construction to begin.
Construction officially started in January 2025, marking a crucial milestone for the project. Once completed, the site will feature a large supermarket, a car park with 125 spaces including electric vehicle charging points, and a 2.15-hectare country park adjacent to the store at Marsh Farm.
Construction Timeline and Delays
Despite the start of construction, recent updates indicate that the work will not be completed until 2026. This means that the supermarket may not open until some time after this date. Tinnelly Construction, the company overseeing the project, confirmed that they will be on site until early 2026. They also mentioned that any further details regarding the timeline should be directed to Lidl directly.
Tinnelly Construction has a proven track record of building Lidl stores across various locations, including Gloucester, Lincoln, Bristol, and Cardiff. However, Lidl has not provided specific information about the Royal Wootton Bassett project.
Landscaping and Community Benefits
One key condition for the project’s approval by Wiltshire Council was the completion of landscaping for the adjacent country park. This requirement was put in place to ensure that the non-obligatory country park would indeed be built, addressing concerns that it might just be a “sweetener” for the council. Once the supermarket is complete, the country park will need to be finished before the store can open.
Lidl highlighted the location’s advantages in its application, noting that it offers close access to bus stops and currently serves as an inaccessible private field. The proposed woodland and open space are expected to provide the community with a new area to enjoy.
Temporary Traffic Measures
To facilitate the construction work, temporary traffic lights were installed on Brinkworth Road in Royal Wootton Bassett on March 24, 2025. These lights were necessary to allow safe access for construction workers to the Marsh Farm site. However, the civil engineer and groundworks firm, Dave Lucey LTD, has stated that these temporary lights will no longer be needed by the end of summer 2025. The road is expected to return to normal operations by August 28, 2025.
Looking Ahead
While shoppers may have to wait until 2026 to experience the new Lidl store, the community can look forward to the benefits of the country park and improved infrastructure. The project represents a significant investment in the future of Royal Wootton Bassett, with the potential to enhance both retail access and recreational opportunities for residents.
