Progress on the delivery of Melksham Community Campus was provided at a recent community area board meeting. The programme to deliver the new campus is on schedule for completion by early 2021 with preparation work expected to start on site this summer.
Wiltshire Council also updated on revisions to the site plan, which are subject to the design and planning process and reflect public consultation. The design team is working on detailed designs for the new facility and these will be shared with the local community as soon as possible.
Subject to planning consent, bulldozers will be on site later this summer to start the demolition of the outbuildings, football facilities and rugby changing rooms prior to construction starting on the new centre. This initial preparation work will not include demolition of the building attached to Melksham House.
Construction work on the new centre is expected to commence next summer, subject to planning consent.
The new community campus will provide a swimming pool, fitness suite, library and community hub, sports hall, squash courts, a GP surgery, outdoor bowls, cricket facilities, a café and office space. New tennis courts will be developed later this year.
Over the past 18 months the campus project has seen construction of the new state-of-the-art sports stadium at Oakfields, the revamp of Melksham Market Place, the creation of a new modern skate park, and a replacement cricket pavilion.
Permission is also being sought to improve access off the A350 for construction vehicles, which will speed the works’ progress.
Further updates on the project will continue to be shared with the community at future area board meetings.