WILTSHIRE Museum's director David Dawson has said he is "enthusiastic" at the idea that the town's derelict Assize Courts building could become the museum's new home – but councillors were quick to point out that the idea is as yet simply that, with nothing concrete in place.

The Wharf Brief, a plan by Wiltshire Council aiming to revitalise Devizes, includes finding a solution for the ramshackle, Grade II-listed, Assize Courts building in Northgate Street, which many people feel blights the entrance to the town.

Monday's Devizes Area Board discussed the plan, and now Mr Dawson, director of Wiltshire Museum, has revealed talks have been going on behind the scenes for some months, and says he is hopeful that the courts could potentially become the new home for the Long Street museum.

Mr Dawson said: “We have been looking at the Assize Courts for a few months now. We have got a group together and we are able to look at the idea of using the Assize Courts space. The added perks of having the Assize Courts would be the extra space, and it would also be part of the restorative project by Wiltshire Council. It is a landmark building and I think with it we could promote ourselves, in turn making us a landmark.

“We are holding our AGM for our members where we will talk about the idea and then maybe make it more public as the process continues. It would take a lot of funding and a lot of work.”

The museum's AGM will be held on October 15, 2.30pm in the Town Hall.

Wiltshire Council was quick to stress this week that no decision has been made on the future of either the museum or the Assize Courts, saying that the intention now is for the council to look at proposals in more detail and establish what options are viable, before holding a public consultation to get people’s feedback on any plans.

Area Board chairman Coun Simon Jacobs said: “We know how much local interest there is in this area so it was good for it to be talked about at the area board and keep people updated.

“Feedback from local residents and stakeholders will be key to any plans and options on the table and we will ensure they play a part in the process going forward.”

Leader of Wiltshire Council, Baroness Scott said: “This area has fantastic potential and we’re keen to look at all the options available to make the most of it.

“I must stress that nothing has been confirmed yet, but we will work closely with local partners and the land owners and look to develop proposals that we feel will enhance the local area and are sustainable long into the future."

There have been many ideas for the Assize Courts building since it fell empty in the 1980s. Applications to turn it into flats have previously been rejected.

Lord Lansdowne, president of the Wiltshire Historic Buildings Trust, said: “Our remit is to save or secure outstanding heritage properties in the county. There could be no more deserving a case than the Devizes Assize Courts, which has been languishing since 1982. The trust has been working with Wiltshire Council for a number of years to find a possible solution to this dilemma. In working to achieve the aims of the Wharf Brief there may now be a possible answer. Ultimately it will depend on common sense and goodwill.”