WITH the Market Place starting to take shape and completion expected next month, public opinion has been less than enthusiastic on the re-development.
Since work began in February controversy has surrounded the Market Place re-development with soaring costs and the scheme having to be scaled back, and questions asked about whether it’s all been worth it.
Members of the public have not held back on voicing their opinion with some calling it ‘a total waste of money’.
On Facebook, Stacey Jones said, “Absolutely a waste of money if you ask me! We have given up the only free parking to have a patio area? What a waste of space, time and money!”
Paula Jane Clift Ferguson said, “Even if it looks totally amazing, I can’t forgive how much money has been spent on a luxury when it could have been spent on necessities.”
Stacey Hackett said, “It’s awful! Why does this town have to spend so much money on stuff that quite frankly doesn’t need doing? All you had to do was resurface the car park area. Instead it looks like a huge patio area.”
Chris Fisher said, “They should have built the new campus first, that’s if it ever gets built, seems like the funds are disappearing fast.”
Graham Gillings said, “I was in Melksham last week and wandered up to the Market Place to have a look. How much money! To reduce the parking and do what?”
Claire Smith said, “I for one didn’t want it and think it’s an absolute waste of money but we now have it and can’t do anything about it so we need to accept it.”
Others though say it’s the update that the town needed.
Reece Williams said, “I’m a huge fan of it. I think the Market Place has looked drab and sad for years, and this is the update this town needs.
“Of course there will always be things that money could have been spent on that would have helped the town in the short term, but the development – alongside all the other great projects we have at the moment – will benefit the town for decades.
“I see plenty of people complaining about the loss of parking spaces, and the small reduction in the taxi rank. What do we want from our Market Place? A car park? Or a fresh modern space which will act as a focal point to the town?”
The Market Place is due to be finished this summer.
