WORK to renovate and rejuvenate the Laverton building will shortly begin, after plans were approved by the town council.
Westbury Town Council hold the listed building in trust, and want to maximise its potential to become an asset to the community.
At a public meeting of the town council on Monday 23rd November the first step of a renovation project was approved. This will relocate the council offices from one side of the building to the vacated snooker club hall, and include the installation of a disabled access lift to the first floor.
A £105,000 loan will be sought from the Public Works Loans board to cover the costs of the work and contingencies.
The work will start in the new year, and should be completed by April 2010. Following completion of the initial stage, a public consultation period will begin with local groups and residents to hear their thoughts for the future of the building.
Cllr Stephen Andrews, chairman of the Laverton Trust committee said, “I thought it went very well, all the proposals on the agenda were carried by the council and now we can move on to the initial stage as laid out in the consultation document.
“After that we can get on with the actual consultation.”
Cllr Andrews added that no particular course of action for the Laverton had been decided on, and that the building was not solely the council’s, but a resource for the whole community.
His thoughts were echoed by town council project officer John Parker who said, “I think it’s a positive move, we can get our teeth into it now. We need to get a project team together which needs to be a cross-section of the community and some specialists, but it mustn’t be a talking shop.
“I’m absolutely looking forward to it, Westbury deserves it. We’ve seen some examples where these projects have been successful in smaller towns than Westbury.
“Right from the start we’re looking forward to making contact with all kinds of local community groups, service providers, the schools who all need to be engaged in the process. What we’ve learned from other examples is that those projects that have succeeded have engaged with their communities and taken their ideas on board.”
The decision to undergo the renovation work was carried by the majority of the council, but it was not unanimous. Concerns were voiced about the eventual cost of the project, as well as the viability of the Laverton as a recreation venue.
Councillor Francis Morland, who voted against the plans said, “It’s my view that The Laverton is never going to turn out as they are hoping, becoming a busy building with all kinds of activities going on. I simply don’t see any evidence for that. Parking is poor and access is poor. But I respect the view of the majority.”
Proposals for the future of the building include creating a coffee lounge, computer suite and an exhibition area, as well as revamping the main hall.
One suggestion at the meeting came from local musician Leander Morales, who wants to turn the Laverton into an arts centre and venue.
Leander Morales, “I think if the Laverton was turned into an arts centre then they wouldn’t have to take out massive loans as they would be able to be match funded with their reserves.
“I also think people would be a lot more interested if they realised that part of their council tax pays to run the Laverton.
“The Laverton is quite a valuable resource for the town and I think it’s potentially a little goldmine. If you promote an arts culture, the economy will grow. It’s something I feel has been neglected in Westbury.”
Cllr Andrews said of the idea, “The young man who stood up had some absolutely brilliant ideas, and we will be following those up and I hope we can work with him.”
Sue Ezra, “I’m pleased and I think it’s a big opportunity for the Laverton. It’s definitely a step forward, and I’m really pleased that when they move the offices they’re going to put in the lift. I think the lift is vital for the use of the hall, to make easier access for those less able bodied.”
