Swindon construction firm Beard has started refurbishment work to transform Chippenham’s Grade II-listed Neeld Hall into a community and arts centre.
Beard is working with Chippenham Town Council and Bristol-based Quattro Design Architects on the design-and-build project on the hall, which was built in 1850 as an extension to the Town Hall.
The hall originally housed Chippenham’s cheese market and corn exchange. In World War I it was used as a military ward for wounded soldiers before becoming a community facility.
The refurbishment includes installing retractable tiered seating. The existing wooden floor of the main building will be sanded and sealed and the hall will be completely redecorated. Beard will also update the existing glass and main entrance doors and install an air-conditioning unit so the main hall can be used at full capacity throughout the year. Other works will include the construction of a new bar area and a new customer service and reception area in the Town Hall.
Beard Swindon director Marc Bayley said: “The Neeld community and arts centre is at the very heart of the town so it is vitally important that it is updated and improved to meet the growing and wide-ranging needs of the Chippenham community.
“The hall has remained a popular venue for bringing local people together and inspiring community spirit for more than a century. We are confident that this smart new refurbishment will revitalise this fantastic centre and ensure that it continues to be a top venue for arts, entertainment and social events in Chippenham.”
Chair of the town council’s amenities, culture and leisure committee, Cllr Sylvia Gibson, added: “This is a major project for the town council and for Chippenham.
“It will provide the town with a superb community and arts centre and bring a varied programme of arts and culture to the town, something we have been working towards for some time.
“There is already strong interest in the centre and we are confident this new lease of life for the Neeld will create a wonderful venue in the heart of our town.”
Beard, which also has offices in Oxford and Guildford, has significant expertise in arts and culture buildings.
Pictured, from left: Chippenham Town Council leader Desna Allen, mayor David Powell, Mayor and Beard Swindon director Marc Bayley
