MELKSHAM Campus has moved a step closer after Melksham Area Board approved exciting plans prior to Christmas for a new swimming pool, sports centre and library on the Melksham House site in the centre of town.
Following 18 months of working closely with local residents and community groups to develop designs and content, the Shadow Community Operations Board (COB) plans for the campus were finally approved by the area board. Within days these plans will be submitted as a formal planning application for the new Melksham campus.
The proposed Melksham Community Campus will contain a number of key community facilities and services including a cafe, indoor bowls rink, sports hall, swimming pool and library.
Images were on display of what the campus could look like at various roadshows in December and published in Melksham News last month. The images show artists’ impressions of the proposed campus, detailing how the Melksham House site will look after extensive re-development.
Wiltshire Council cabinet member with responsibility for campuses, Jonathon Seed said, “I am delighted that we are reaching the end of the campus planning phase in Melksham. This means that we have been able to finally show the local community what their campus will look like. We had a great response to the recent pre-planning consultation which just goes to show the enthusiasm and support for the campus project.
“Finally I would add that this is the biggest and most exciting development that Melksham has seen for a generation and the people of Melksham, together with the COB members and council officers involved, should be rightly proud of their roles in bringing this project to construction.”
Roy While, chair of the Melksham Shadow Community Operations Board said, “The COB team are delighted that the Area Board gave the go ahead for the planning application to be submitted . They enjoyed meeting local people during the roadshow presentations and are looking forward to being involved in the detail design phase.”
The images and full presentation of the pre-planning consultation feedback can be seen on the Melksham Community Campus website www.melkshamcampus-scob.org.uk
The Wiltshire Council-funded campus programme has recently been accelerated to provide the opportunity for a community campus in each Wiltshire community area to be delivered at the pace set by local communities and partners. This will provide public and community services together in a fit-for-purpose building or collection of buildings.
