AN extra £3 million for the Melksham Community Campus has been ratified by councillors, enabling the long-awaited project to move forward to the next stage.

Wiltshire Council’s cabinet agreed to award the funding in October, subject to Full Council approval, which was formally given this week.

This marks yet another milestone for the project with construction of the modern campus formally granted planning permission almost two weeks ago.

Cllr Allison Bucknell, Cabinet Member for Communities and Leisure, said: “I am pleased that we have cleared another hurdle on this project.

“This funding means that we can provide a campus that will bring the community together right at the heart of the town.

“The next stage is for us to appoint a lead contractor so that work on-site can get underway next year. We are expecting the campus to be complete by 2021.”

The designs for the £23 million modern Melksham Community Campus include a six-lane swimming pool and a learner pool.

A fitness suite, dance studio, library and community hub, sports hall, a café and office space will also be provided.

This will be in addition to the cricket pitch and outdoor bowls. Two new tennis courts were built earlier this summer.

A report will be going forward to a council cabinet meeting next year outlining a detailed business case for the future of the Grade 2 listed Melksham House and its separately listed pier gates.

The council wants to convert the house into a residential home for children and young adults aged 10-18, with 16 new units of supported living accommodation being built at the rear, along with a community resource centre.

The proposals for Melksham House are subject to a final decision by the Secretary of State for the Environment next year.

Regular updates on Melksham Community Campus can be found at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/community-environment-melksham-community-campus