WILTSHIRE Council has confirmed plans have been submitted to renovate Melksham House as a community hub.
Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for facilities management and operational assets said, “A planning application has been submitted by the council to renovate Melksham House as a multifunctional and flexible hub for the local community, whilst ensuring that the building’s cultural and historical importance are maintained.
“We hope to receive funds from the Government Levelling Up Fund in order to carry out the renovation of Melksham House. This investment will ensure that Melksham House continues to be a vital long-term part of the town’s future and help support the local area. Set alongside the new Melksham Campus, this project will help the area become a centre of activity for the town, driving footfall and business opportunity.”
Roberts Limbrick have been appointed as architects by Wiltshire Council for the renovation.
A statement with the planning application says, “Melksham House has been under the ownership of Wiltshire Council since 2011, though the building has now been unoccupied for a number of years.
“The previous building functions were relocated to other facilities in years following its transfer to Wiltshire Council and several alternative uses for Melksham House have been explored in the following years. Most notably a planning application in 2014 gave approval for Melksham House to be developed as part of a larger Community Campus proposal, these plans were revised and resubmitted in 2019.
“Works have recently begun on the construction of the Community Campus hub within the associated grounds of Melksham House, prompting the redevelopment of the building to provide supporting community functions,” the statement adds.
“The building has been unoccupied for several years and is in a poor state of repair. The proposals submitted seek to bring the house back into use as a flexible hub for business and the wider community, while safeguarding its cultural and historic value.
“Works include demolition of modern extensions, roofing repairs, window repairs, installation of a new lift to provide access to four of the five different floor levels and an associated roof extension to the rear.”
Melksham House is grade 2 listed and has been used for social/community use since the 1920s. The building is first mentioned in records dated 1608, though it has been heavily altered and extended during subsequent centuries.
A fire in 1920 dramatically affected the building, causing significant damage to a considerable proportion of the original house.
The application is open for consultation until 10th September.