A project to rebuild a village community centre destroyed in a devastating fire two years ago has taken a major step forward.

The Bromham Social Centre was left an empty shell after a huge blaze spread through the building in June 2021.

At the time the loss of the social club and The Owl community pub was described as a “huge blow” that devastated villagers.

Since then, the trustees of the Bromham Community Hub have been working to put forward plans for the construction of a replacement centre.

Efforts to secure funding for the significant project have been ongoing during that time.

The trustees have now been awarded a £300,000 grant from the government Community Ownership Fund which will provide “much needed support” for the scheme.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Firefighters tackle the blaze in 2021Firefighters tackle the blaze in 2021

Over the years the community has also raised funds to contribute to the rebuild through a cafe run by volunteers.

A spokesperson for the rebuild group said: “This funding will make a huge difference.

“Bromham Community Hub can now move the project forward and make our vision, of providing a modern building for the enjoyment of all members of our community, into a reality.

“The Bromham community has been devastated by the loss of the old centre in 2021, but is now reinvigorated by this welcome announcement and is looking forward to putting the heart back into the village.”

A planning application has been submitted to Wiltshire Council for approval on the design of the scheme.

At the time of writing, the plans were in the process of being validated by Wiltshire Council ahead of being published online.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: The old social club following the fire in 2021The old social club following the fire in 2021

If approved, the development would allow the construction of a “modern new hub” with a large divisible hall space, a smaller space and kitchens, and both indoor and outdoor facilities for people of all ages to socialise.

Bromham Community Hub will also be searching for a construction partner in the near future, while fundraising efforts will continue.

The bid for government funding received backing from Devizes MP Danny Kruger.

He said: “I am delighted that the Bromham Community Hub Charitable Incorporated Organisation bid for £300,000 from the Community Ownership Fund has been successful.

“I was pleased to be consulted and to be able to help support the bid.

“I wish the CIO Trustees and the village of Bromham well as they move forwards with the project.”