A visitor and Craft Centre will soon be opening in Royal Wootton Bassett.

Wootton Hall, which was formerly owned by the town’s branch of the Royal British Legion, is being transformed into a hub for people looking for information about Wootton Bassett.

The venue in Sparrow Lane, which also has opportunities for people to run craft businesses, is expected to open in the summer.

Sheridan Parsons, who is running the project, said: “We are planning to open a combined Visitor Centre and Craft Centre with a royalty and remembrance theme. The idea is to have information for visitors about places to go and things to do – all the information you might find in a small tourist office.”

The centre will also include information about the British Legion, in reference to the hall’s history.

There is a garden with picnic rugs available to visitors, and there will also be special events throughout the year, including market days with a marquee.
Craft units are also included in the hall.

“We are looking for crafters to work with to develop the whole thing and make it a lovely place for people to come and enjoy,” said Mrs Parsons.

“We are offering units for people who want to work there and help build a good atmosphere. People who want to start their own business will have the opportunity to profit share at the beginning rather than paying rent.”

Mrs Parsons said there is a need for a place like this in the town.

“We are trying to create something really lovely and something that is an attraction for Wootton Bassett,” she said.

“It is something fun for people to enjoy. We need somewhere for people to visit.

A lot of people come to Wootton Bassett and there is nothing for them to see other than the Town Hall which is only open two days a week.

“This will be somewhere for them to visit and spend time. It will raise the profile of local businesses.”

The British Legion will be the nominated charity for the hall’s collections and donations to reflect both Wootton Bassett’s recent history, as well as the fact Wootton Hall was previously owned by the town’s  British Legion branch.

The centre is not going to focus on repatriations though.
Mrs Parsons said: “We are drawing a very distinct line between repatriations and remembrance. This will be to do with remembrance, not repatriations. The general feeling is the town has moved on.”

For more information or to take on one of the units visit www.woottonhall.com or phone 07891 718211.