PEOPLE in Devizes are to be asked for their views on what should be included in the £10 million project to bring the Devizes Assize Court back to life.

The newly formed Devizes Assize Court Trust hopes that architects, who will create plans to transform the derelict building into a new home for Wiltshire Museum and community space, will be appointed within the next couple of months.

Work has already started on applications for grants that will pay for architects' work and once drawings are available fundraising will start in earnest.

The Trust for Devizes has organised a meeting to discuss the plans on January 24 at the Town Hall with doors opening at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. The trust has been campaigning for the historic building to be saved for many years and is determined to play an important part in discussions.

Philippa Morgan from the heritage group said: "There is still an enormous amount of work to be done to raise the funds needed over the next 10 years but, from now on, the project is in safe hands.

"The Devizes Assize Court Trust will be working with the community as it develops its plans and we look forward to the Trust playing a major part in that process."

Wiltshire councillor Laura Mayes, who is one of the trustees of the Devizes Assize Court Trust, said: "The purchase of the Devizes Assize Court is fantastic news but this is a ten year project.

"Our challenge is to keep people excited and involved over that period of time. We want to keep the community involved and interested and it is vital for us to consult with them to get their views on what should be included. Once we have the drawings it will make it seem much more real."

She said the assize court project would also open up Devizes Wharf and allow it to become more attractive for tourists.

Mrs Mayes set up an on-line poll three years ago asking people to vote on what should happen to the building. She said: "This showed just how much people were behind the need to save the assize court."

Back in November when Lord Lansdowne as chairman of the Devizes Assize Court Trust announced the building had been bought for £475,000 from elusive businessman Suleiman Dockrat there was widespread praise.

Wiltshire council leader Baroness Jane Scott said: "The Assize Court is an iconic and prominent building and it's an important part of Devizes history. Its preservation and restoration for future use will add so much value to Devizes and Wiltshire."

Martin Nye chairman of Wiltshire Museum said: "We are excited to be working to secure the long-term future of this historic building, which will provide a great location to share our nationally important collections with the widest possible range of audiences."