Should former town centre pub become a community centre?

COULD the Tavern pub in the Market Place be turned into a community centre? That’s the question one Melksham resident is posing to the town.

The long-standing and popular town centre pub closed its doors for the last time in December. 

With the freehold for the building now on the market for £350,000, local resident Brian Warwick, who is also the president of Melksham Seniors, has suggested that the community and local authorities could work together to purchase the building and turn it into a community centre, servicing all ages in the town.

Speaking to Melksham News, Brian said, “I would be delighted to act as a catalyst to put this into the public domain for debate, it is an opportunity to discuss the possible community use of an important building on a key site at the very heart of our town. 

“I do not want this, however, for it to be seen as a ‘Brian Warwick project’, but instead one that captures the imagination of the whole community as a well worthwhile community venture that serves all ages, one that I hope would be welcomed and supported by our major employers in the town, as well as our local councils.

“The possibility of so many worthy community uses for this building as a drop in community centre for older and younger people and for far greater community use would need to be explored, especially if long term funding could be applied for by local authorities. Hopefully this would bring so many community benefits for all ages at the best long term public funding low interest terms.

“ I personally would love to see this driven by a much younger generation than my own, for it is long term and needs the imagination and enthusiasm that younger people can and would bring to such a venture.

“Perhaps, the community could create, in conjunction with our local authorities including county, a form of community trust or company to acquire the building and site for the benefit of today’s and future generations?

“I would love to see our major businesses also playing a leading role in helping us to have a great community drop-in centre at the very heart of Melksham for all ages. It could link in strongly with the campus and also supplement many of the key community projects that were in the projects and since dropped to provide commercial opportunities to pay for the campus. It is an opportunity well worth exploring in considerable depth.”

In response to Brian’s suggestion, Melksham News hit the streets to talk to residents about their thoughts on the former pub becoming a community centre.

“I think a community centre would be a good idea,” said Rosemary Skyrme. 

“A community centre would do some good for the town,” agreed Alison Clark.

“It would be a good location for a ‘community fridge’ and a drop-in service for anyone struggling in Melksham,” suggested Clare Kelly.

However, not all were in agreement. Martin Pain, who is also a town councillor said, “We already have the Riverside Club and the Assembly Hall in the town, we don’t need another community centre.”

“A community centre would do some good for the town, there’s nowhere for youngsters to go during the day. We certainly have enough pubs and restaurants in the town – we don’t need any more.” Alison Clark

“A family-style buffet restaurant with specials on a Saturday and Sunday! We already have the Riverside Club and the Assembly Hall in the town, we don’t need another community centre – we need something to lift the town centre, make it more vibrant.” Martin Pain

“…it is an opportunity to discuss the possible community use of an important building on a key site at the very heart of our town.” Brian Warwick

“I think a community centre would be a good idea. Or maybe a book shop, shoe shop or a new Jobcentre for the town.” Rosemary Skyrme

“A community centre is a good idea – it could be used for small party hire as the Assembly Hall is more suited to large groups. It would be a good location for a ‘community fridge’ and a drop-in service for anyone struggling in Melksham.” Clare Kelly

• Do you agree or disagree? What do you think the Tavern pub should be used for? Email us your thoughts and opinions to news@melkshamnews.co.uk or send them by post to 31 Market Place, Melksham. SN12 6ES.