THE £626,000 transformation of the Neeld Hall into a premier community and arts centre in Chippenham has begun.

The Grade II listed Neeld Hall will be become the Neeld Community and Arts Centre and will host shows, concerts and community events when the refurbishment is completed in October.

Chippenham Town Council is hoping to create an improved community facility in the heart of the town, which will also fill a gap in the market by becoming part of the UK’s professional music and comedy circuits.

The main bulk of funding for the scheme will come from a £500,000 loan from the Public Works Loan Board to be paid back over 20 years.

The loan, given via the Department for Communities and Local Government on a low rate of interest, will allow the council to spread the cost of the development rather than taking money from reserves.

Further funding has been provided by Viridor, with a grant of £75,000 through the land tax credit scheme, £10,000 from Community First, funding from Chippenham Borough Lands charity and £46,000 from the council’s capital budget.

The extensive scheme, carried out by regional construction company Beard working with Quattro Design Architects on the design and build project, includes improvement works to the adjoining town hall to create a new customer service reception area.

There will also be a new foyer for the Neeld and the installation of retractable tiered seating. Capacity will range from 230 seated to around 500 standing.

In addition, the existing wooden floor of the main building will be sanded and sealed and the hall redecorated. The existing glass and main entrance doors will be updated and replaced with a glass infill panel and automated doors.

Air conditioning will be installed to ensure that the main hall can be used at full capacity throughout the year while a new bar area for the Neeld will be constructed in the former Baby Boots shop.

Cllr Sylvia Gibson, chairman of the amenities, culture and leisure committee, said: “This is a major project for the town council and for Chippenham. It will provide the town with a superb community and arts centre and bring a varied programme of arts and culture to the town, something we have been working towards for some time.

“There is already strong interest in the centre and we are confident this new lease of life for the Neeld will create a wonderful venue in the heart of our town.”

Existing bookings from October will go ahead as scheduled and hall hire charges will be unchanged. Anyone interested in booking the Neeld or bringing a show or event can contact enquiries@chippenham.gov.uk or telephone (01249) 446699.