RESIDENTS and users of the Melksham Assembly Hall are being urged to air their views on how to give it a new lease of life.

Melksham Town Council has appointed an architect who will conduct a feasibility study to assess whether it is possible to re-design the building or build a new Assembly Hall on the site.

The Assembly Hall is a former drill hall thought to date from between the First and Second World Wars. It has since been converted into an entertainment venue and can seat up to 400 people.

The architects, CaSA, of Bath, will be asking users, former users, potential users and residents, what they think should happen to the hall.

Cllr Jon Hubbard, Melksham’s deputy mayor, said: “I’m hoping that we are going to look at this project with an open mind and listen to what people say and what the experts say. I hope that in a few years’ time, we will be really proud of the decisions that we make today.”

Cllr Hubbard said it was quite clear the Assembly Hall needs much more than just a lick of paint and new seating. He said the feasibility study would tell the council how it could make best possible use of the space.

“The architect will speak to residents and local people in the community and will come back with a feasibility study which talks about a potential project plan and options for the building, which will probably be way beyond anything that we had thought about. This really is an exciting opportunity.

“It’s really important that we get this piece of work started as it’s going to take time. But this is a significant council project, be it a refurbishment or a major renovation, and to make sure we spend the money wisely we have to invest in the planning.”

Melksham Assembly Hall manager Tim Cross said he was “very pleased” that things are moving forward. The feasibility study is expected to take at least six months to complete but could take longer if more time is required.

“Whatever the feasibility study brings up, certainly the whole building needs to be improved and, in particular, the roof is crying out to be replaced,” he said. “It would also be great to have a more functionable and usable stage and raked seating installed, so all seats get a great view of the stage.

“It’s very exciting and if it all goes ahead, then it will generate more interest from bigger entertainment acts and also make a destination venue for people not just from Melksham but from across the county.”