PEOPLE in Melksham are being asked to give their views on the future of one of the town's historic houses.

Wiltshire Council is asking for comments on the future use of the Grade 2 listed Melksham House as part of its plans for the £23 million new Melksham Community Campus.

The proposal being submitted for planning seeks to bring Melksham House back into use as a flexible hub for business and the wider community, whilst safeguarding its cultural and historic value.

They were unveiled to the public at a presentation in Melksham Library on Tuesday.

Ian Blair-Pilling, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Leisure, Libraries, Governance, Facilities Management and Operational Assets, said: "We are still open to suggestions.

"We want to refurbish the main structure of the building and refurbish the inside of it so that it is a useful facility for the community.

"It could be turned into a variety of office and community spaces used for a variety of purposes. There is room for some adaption, not a lot, because it is a listed building.

"We want to hear people's views and are open to ideas as to what the community space at the rear can be used for."

Wiltshire Council says the provision of more flexible workspaces will help support local businesses as they emerge from the Covid-19 crisis.

The council says a new flexible workspace and community hub will reduce Melksham’s exposure to local employment losses, out-of-town commuting and provide a base for workers looking to live in smaller towns.

A spokesman said: "The Melksham House site lends itself well to the modern vision of working, with ample outdoor spaces that could easily be used for wellbeing activities or outdoor meetings.

"This intervention will maximise the potential for the campus area to act as a centre of activity in

Melksham, helping to drive footfall and attract new businesses into the town.

"The provision of multi-purpose activity space within the scheme provides further opportunity for this to become a vibrant community offering, putting the house at the heart of the community once more."

To comment on the proposals, email MelkshamCampus@wiltshire.gov.uk.