Warminster Town Council's move to Assembly Rooms

Recent correspondence in the local press has questioned the reasoning behind Warminster Town Council's proposed office move.

Plans are under way to leave Dewey House in North Row and move into the Assembly Rooms beside Morrison's car park, which will then be converted to become a Civic Centre.

To avoid any confusion and confirm the reasoning behind this plan the Council has issued a press release giving current information about the move.

It explains that the Assembly Rooms are currently in need of maintence and run at a loss which costs approximately £60,000 a year. 

Dewey House has become too small for use as a modern council office.  The regional trend to devolve more responsibilities to town councils is likely to lead to additional Councillors. It lacks privacy for confidential meetings and the Council Chamber has limited space for public attendance.  

   

The refurbished Assembly Rooms will afford ample space for Town Council staff and allow a spacious Council Chamber.  The venue will continue to be available for hire.  A new adaptable layout will retain the large hall and create two smaller ones, an approach which, it is believed, will attract more business.

 

There are no plans to sell Dewey House.The building, which is part of Warminster's history, will continue to be used by the community with its hall available for hire.

No firm decision to proceed has yet been taken.  In addition to looking at potential designs, the Town Council has started the process to finance the project through the Public Works Loan Board.

Plans for the new Civic Centre have been on display at the Assembly Rooms for several weeks for members of the public to inspect. 

In addition, the Mayor's Community Day on Saturday 27 February (10am to 4pm)  offers an opportunity to ask  questions about the project. 

For further information contact:

Heather Abernethie, Town Clerk, Warminster Town Council, Dewey House, North Row, Warminster BA12 9AD. 

Tel:  01985 214847.    Email:  admin@warminster-tc.gov.uk