The £1.8 million renovation of a historic building once used in the Second World War is nearing completion, as the town council prepares to move in.

The Manor House in Royal Wootton Bassett was bought by the town council in 2020 and the move was described as "a major project for the town" which councillors hoped would bring "provision of the highest quality services for the community in years to come."

But the historic building, which was previously used by the Quartermaster's Regiment in the Second World War and was later home to a rural district council, social services and a magistrate's court, was in a rundown condition when the purchase was made.

A £1.8 million major renovation investment from Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council aimed to turn the site into the council's new home and community hub.

Four years on, work at the Manor House is now nearing competition as the council prepares to move in.

Before and after, as the renovation of The Manor House draws to a closeBefore and after, as the renovation of The Manor House draws to a close (Image: Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council) "The redevelopment of The Manor House is almost complete, so while we move offices, the Town Council Office at 117 High Street will be closed from Monday 28th October 2024, and we reopen at The Manor House at 2pm on Monday 11th November 2024," said Chief Officer Mark Hopkins.

"During this time, you can still contact Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council via our new resident portal My Bassett, or call 01793 850222 and leave a message please, we will respond as soon as possible.

"We look forward to seeing you at our new home."

The newly renovated Manor House will include storage, a council chamber, council offices, an exhibition space and community rooms available to hire.

The huge project as funding by a Public Works Loan Board loan of £1,100,000 over the borrowing terms of 25 years, as well as £700,000 of earmarked reserves.

Speaking about his plans for the site when it was first bought, former Town mayor Nic Hughes said: “Manor House is a major investment for Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council.

“The space available in the building will allow us a huge amount of flexibility in the services that we can offer and provide a real community hub for our townsfolk.”

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