EXCITING plans for Melksham Community Campus have taken a step closer this week with the architects starting work on a detailed design.
The multi-million pound scheme will include a new leisure centre, a 25m swimming pool and learner pool, a 4-court sports hall, a 60 station fitness suite, squash courts, a library and youth centre on the town centre site at Melksham House.
Architects, DKA, are currently working on a detailed design of the campus after being given a brief to work towards.
“It is a really exciting phase of the process as architects work with the council to ensure the facilities meet the needs of Melksham for many years to come,” said Melksham Area Board Chairman, Cllr Jon Hubbard,
“I remain positive that this project will deliver for Melksham and that it will provide fantastic resources for the whole community for the next 30-40 years.”
Wiltshire Council has confirmed to Melksham Independent News that the services to be included are:
• Leisure Centre with 25m swimming pool plus learner pool;
• 4-court sports hall;
• Multi-activity rooms;
• 60 station fitness suite;
• Squash courts;
• Wet and dry changing and associated ancillary facilities;
• 6 lane indoor bowls rink and group room;
• A new town library including improved IT suite for community internet access;
• Registration service;
• Reception for all campus services and offering advice on other council services;
• Café facilities and creche;
• Youth centre facilities;
• Personal care room(s) (i.e. for disabled people and their carers);
• Desk space for community based council and partner staff;
• Multi-purpose training suite for both professional and community use;
Multi-purpose meeting/ resource rooms;
• Health care facilities e.g. GP surgeries, specialist clinics, (to be confirmed by partner organisations. Talks are ongoing regarding this);
• 100 car parking spaces (further discussion is to take place regarding the exact number of spaces);
• Provision of land for outdoor recreational use adjacent to campus facilities;
• Outdoor sports changing facilities.
“The architects have been working closely with The Melksham Community Operations Board to ensure the facilities within the campus meet the needs of the community,” said Sean Chacksfield, Media Relations Officer for Wiltshire Council.
“It is expected that an update and the draft design of the football and rugby facilities will be given at the Melksham Area Board on Wednesday 31st July.
“The architects DKA are working very closely with the Community Operations Board in drawing up designs, which will go through a number of alterations before they’re finalised.
“The design images will be shared with the public as soon as they’re ready.”
No specific date has been set yet for when the next stage, the planning phase will begin. However, the campus is expected to be completed in 2014.
