Students from the University of Bristol have been exploring ideas for Melksham’s future as part of a masters architecture project focusing on the town’s industrial heritage and identity.
A total of 21 architecture students showcased their work at an exhibition in the Assembly Hall on Thursday 21st May, presenting their final projects to MP Brian Mathew, local people and councillors.
The students focused on areas that could be developed in the town, particularly how spaces could be used to maintain Melksham’s industrial heritage and identity.
One student focused on the Cooper Tires site, proposing a scheme to encourage cycle and maritime tourism into the town centre.
George Beer said, “I have divided up to be a bit of housing, part of the industrial sheds I have proposed to be taken down to make way for park spaces and then the sheds that are remaining are to become a bike factory. I am also proposing a marina to come in off of the River Avon and a new building that fronts that marina. It is all about bringing cycle tourism and maritime tourism into the town centre.”
Course tutor Piers Taylor, who is an internationally renowned architect, said Melksham presents interesting issues for architects.
He said, “The main question is what does a town like Melksham do that had a very strong identity born from a set of industries that were milk and then Avon rubber? When those things disappear, the question is what happens?
“In Melksham’s case what happens is that huge industry comes in and sits around it that doesn’t give it the same rhythm but a different one. What the students have been asking is trying to find new, smaller scale industries that can sit within the town and contribute to the identity of the town and start to reimagine what the high street, what Avon Rubber and what various other places in the town could be and really understand how Melksham could really embrace industry from within not from without. That is the critical thing that they have been looking at.”
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