Plans for a new central area depot in Melksham have reached an important milestone, with Wiltshire Council now ready to share its proposals with the local community.

The new depot is proposed for the former Christie Miller Sports Centre and golf course site at Bowerhill and will create a modern, fit-for-purpose facility that supports council services for the next 30 years. The project will also help improve efficiency by reducing the number of depot sites across the county.

The proposals will be on display at Melksham Community Campus, Market Place, Melksham, from Monday 13 July to Friday 31 July 2026. Display boards will show the proposed site layout, including enhanced Household Recycling Centre (HRC) facilities.

Council officers and members of the project team will be available at the community campus to answer questions and discuss the proposals on:

• Tuesday 21 July, 10am to 4pm
• Thursday 23 July, 2pm to 7pm

Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “We have made significant progress in developing proposals for this site, which will bring together a range of services including highways, waste, streetscene, the Household Recycling Centre, maintenance workshops, offices and parking.

“Designing a site that accommodates all these functions has been complex, with factors such as land covenants influencing the layout. While there is very limited scope to make changes to the overall design, we are keen to hear from residents about the plans for the Household Recycling Centre in particular as well as any concerns they may have or any local issues they feel we should be aware of.

“We are carrying out this engagement ahead of submitting a planning application later this summer. Subject to planning approval, construction is expected to begin in 2027.

“This project supports our ambition to deliver efficient services while enhancing and protecting our environment for future generations.”

Residents can view the proposals online at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/melksham-depot and submit comments by emailing CentralDepotProject@wiltshire.gov.uk by midnight on 31 July 2026.

Comments received during the engagement period will help ensure any local considerations are taken into account before the planning application is submitted.