An unsuccessful bid by a long-established Calne business for the former Original Factory Shop premises has sparked debate about what residents want to see in the town centre.
Family Wise Ltd, which has operated in Calne for 14 years, had hoped to relocate to the vacant unit at 85 The Pippin and create what it described as a community hub alongside its existing services.
The company had invited ideas from residents and said the larger premises could have provided space for a range of community uses, including support services, meeting rooms, hot-desking facilities, training opportunities and networking events.
Following the recent announcement of the Morrisons Daily closure and the potential loss of the town's Post Office, Family Wise also believed the building could help provide a home for services residents fear Calne may lose.
The business said its plans included creating additional jobs and apprenticeships, supporting local enterprise and providing space for organisations such as Citizens Advice and other community groups.
The proposal attracted considerable support on social media, with many residents backing the idea of a locally established business expanding into one of the town centre's largest vacant units.
However, Family Wise was unsuccessful in its application.
While no official announcement has been made, Family Wise says it understands the successful applicant to be Dorothy House.
If that proves to be the case, it would also raise questions about the future of the charity's existing Calne shop in Phelps Parade, opposite the Morrisons Daily store which is due to close later this year.
Neither the future use of the former Original Factory Shop premises nor any plans for Dorothy House's existing town centre premises have been officially confirmed.
Kirsty Gray, Managing Director of Family Wise said she was informed that the successful applicant was chosen after a commercial assessment and that, while the offers received were described as "almost identical", the deciding factor was covenant strength.
In correspondence sent to local councillors, Family Wise said it understood the need for financial security but questioned whether wider social, economic and community benefits were given sufficient consideration.
The company also says it has been informed there is no formal appeals process available and has instead sought further information about how the decision was reached.
The decision has prompted a wider discussion about the future of Calne town centre, with some residents questioning whether opportunities for independent local businesses should be given greater priority when prominent units become vacant.
Wiltshire Council says the correct process was followed.
Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: "We recognise the time and effort invested by all organisations that submitted a bid.
"The successful applicant was chosen following a thorough commercial assessment of all submissions, carried out in line with the proper processes and legal requirements to make sure the decision was fair.
"We understand this may be disappointing for those who were not successful but the process we carried out was the correct one."
The council did not directly address questions from Calne News about whether community benefit, local employment opportunities or public support for the proposal formed part of the assessment process.
Chippenham MP Sarah Gibson said she was sorry to hear Family Wise had been unsuccessful.
She said: "I was sorry to hear that Family Wise Ltd's application was unsuccessful. Family Wise has been based in Calne for many years, and I understand how disappointing this will be for the business, particularly given the community-focused nature of its proposal.
"While I cannot determine or influence commercial leasing decisions, I do think it is important that local organisations are able to understand how decisions about prominent town centre spaces are made, including how community benefit and social value are considered alongside financial factors.
"I want to see Calne town centre thriving, with empty units brought back into productive use in a way that supports residents, local businesses and community organisations."
Family Wise has thanked residents for their support and says it remains committed to Calne and to finding new ways to expand its services and support the local community.
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