CHIPPENHAM’S Neeld Hall is to be rebranded as the town’s premier community and event venue after a major £680,000 transformation.

The improved hall, which next October will be renamed The Neeld Community & Arts Venue, is to have new retractable tiered seating, upgraded audio visuals and a separate bar room.

It will close for four months for refurbishment from June to September 2015.

Adrian Jones, head of service delivery at Chippenham Town Council, said: “Plans to transform and uplift the Neeld Hall into a venue the town can be proud of are gathering considerable momentum. A full and vibrant range of events will be programmed to complement the many local groups and community organisations who use the hall.”

He said the theatre-quality seating could be folded away to allow space for community events, seminars, conferences, dinners and dances.

Chippenham Town Council, which leases the hall from Wiltshire Council, bought the former Baby Boots next door last year and plans to knock through the wall and create a bar.

Improvements are also planned for the hall acoustics and the kitchen facility.

The town council will get funding from a 20-year Public Works Board loan and a £75,000 grant from Viridor Credits. It is also hoping for a £10,000 Community First grant and further support from Chippenham Borough Lands Charity.

The town hall is also getting a facelift. Its floor has been sanded and sealed and on December 22 it will close for a few weeks for redecoration.

For progress reports, see www.chippenham.gov.uk