Members of the public had their say at a master plan exhibition suggesting ways to spice up Calne’s town centre by developing retail and attracting more shoppers.

The exhibition, held on Friday and Saturday, went on show at the old Baby Cottage, Beach Terrace.

They viewed four different options for the future of Calne’s town centre, including plans for a central piazza, a new health centre, new shops and cafes.

A master plan is an independent document that could form part of a neighbourhood plan in the future and aims to guide development in a town centre over the next 20 years.

Calne’s master plan has been created by planning consultants Urbanisme and Townswork with the help of Calne Town Council, members of the town team and other stakeholders.

It focuses mainly on the development of The Pippin and Phelps Parade, with ideas on how to improve the Castlefields area and the main A4 route into town.

Castle Street resident Michael Murphy said he approved of the plans, but he would like to see groups such as the Calne Artists’ Group take part in the development.

He said: “I would like to see that artistic spirit involved, not simply the commercial exploitation of every square of land.”

Last year Wiltshire Council allocated a pot of money towards the Calne campus project, a project which includes the redevelopment of the leisure centre, Beversbrook and the library.

The main difference between the four options provided in the master plan is the location of this campus within the town, as new retail outlets would be slotted in around it.

Planning consultant Gerald Milward-Oliver said it was not clear what option would be chosen but a report would go to the town council.

Paul Ogden, chairman of the Calne Chamber of Commerce, said: “The joy of this is that it creates a shopping area, it joins on part of the town that haven’t been joined for a long time.”

To view the four options visit www.calne.gov.uk