Introduction to the Wiltshire Museum Project
The Wiltshire Museum, located in Devices, has been granted a building permit to restore a dilapidated courthouse, known as the Devices Assises, to serve as its new home. The museum currently houses nationally important collections, including gold found in graves near Stonehenge, but is operating out of a smaller building.
The Devices Assises: A New Home for the Museum
The Devices Assises, built in 1835, has fallen into disrepair since the 1980s. However, with the recent approval of the building permit by the Wiltshire Council, the museum and the Devices Assises Court Trust are one step closer to transforming the grade II* listed building into a thriving community hub. The trust has already secured initial financing for the project and has consulted with the public to ensure that the new museum meets the needs of the community.
Plans for the New Museum
The museum plans to open its doors in the newly restored Devices Assises in 2030. The building will feature a café, learning areas, a multi-purpose event space, gardens, and new galleries that will showcase the museum’s extensive collections. The court will also become a hub for the community, accessible to everyone, and will provide a space for people to come together and learn about the history and culture of the area.
Securing Funding for the Project
Following the completion of the development phase, the museum and the trust will submit an application for funding for the delivery phase to the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The approval of the building permit by the Wiltshire Council also enables the museum to apply for funding from a wider range of organizations and to request support from beneficiaries. Caroline Kay, of the Wiltshire Museum, stated that the approval of the building permit is an "essential" step that gives the project a new perspective and demonstrates that it is a viable and available project for the people of Devices, Wiltshire, and beyond.
Community Reaction to the Project
Peter Troughton, Chairman of the Devices Assises Court Trust, welcomed the news, describing it as "excellent news" for the community. The project has the potential to bring the community together and provide a space for people to learn, socialize, and engage with the history and culture of the area. Clare Phillips, Associate Conservation Associate at Purcell Architecture, which worked on the project, attributed the planning success to the team’s collaboration with the museum and local groups, noting that the court was in a "desperate poor state" prior to the restoration plans.
Conclusion
The restoration of the Devices Assises and the relocation of the Wiltshire Museum to the new site promises to be an exciting development for the community. With the building permit approved and funding applications in progress, the project is moving forward, and the museum is expected to open its doors in the new location in 2030. The new museum will provide a state-of-the-art facility for the community, showcasing the area’s rich history and culture, and serving as a hub for community activities and events.
