Westbury’s historic Laverton Institute building will formally re-open next weekend as a multi-purpose venue and community centre, to celebrate its extensive £200,000 refurbishment programme.
A formal launch reception will take place on the evening of Friday 21st October, to be attended by the Mayor, councillors, members of the Laverton Institute Management Trust, local community groups, service providers, regular users and funding bodies.
There will be presentations and guided tours of the building and its new facilities. Matravers School music department will perform Victorian period music.
The public will have a chance to see the new-look building on Saturday 22nd October, when it will be open from 10.00am until 4.30pm. There will be opportunities to tour the totally refurbished interior rooms and main hall.
There will be also displays and presentations and members of the project team will be on hand to answer questions about the project and the recent changes.
Tony Laverton will also be on hand to talk about his new book based of the life of his famous ancestor Abraham Laverton, founder of the Laverton Institute. Signed copies of the book will be on sale and refreshments will be provided.
The newly refurbished building represents the culmination of phase 2 of the Laverton project, which has involved a successful programme of grant fund raising, allowing for the recent and very substantial refurbishment and redevelopment of the main hall, meeting rooms and public spaces.
Phase 3 will involve the active marketing of the venue and community engagement to encourage local interest and uptake while phase 4, running from next spring, will see broad public consultation to fully explore various options for making the best use of the new facilities and further grant applications.
For further information please contact:
• John Parker, project officer, Westbury Town Council, 01373 822232, 07812 105721
• Cllr Stephen Andrews, Chair of Laverton Institute Management Trust, 01373 822232
• Keith Harvey, town clerk, Westbury Town Council, 01373 822232.
