Staff at The Pound arts centre in Corsham were delighted when they received funding from the Duchess of Cornwall for two bespoke music pods that are planned for the arts centre later this year.

Almost two years after officially opening The Pound, following its £1.2million refurbishment, the Duchess has given an undisclosed sum of her own money to the £45,000 music studios project, which has also attracted £42,000 in grant funding.

Artistic director of The Pound Arts Trust, Nicholas Keyworth, said: “We’re delighted that Her Royal Highness is continuing to support The Pound, which since the royal opening in October 2007 has become a vibrant and successful hub for the arts. With the support of Her Royal Highness, donations from Friends of Pound Arts and funders, it means the trust has almost reached the target amount needed to commission two specialist acoustic rooms.”

The trust has launched an appeal to friends and supporters of the organisation to help raise the remaining funds, needed to change the currently unused space at the arts centre into two sound-proof music pods for various musicians, teachers and groups to use. Managing director Ian Martin said: “The bespoke pods will enable The Pound to offer specialist rooms with their own variable acoustic environment, natural light, air conditioning and heating controls.

“They will be used for music lessons, teaching, rehearsing, recording or film editing or meetings, and are sure to be a valuable resource for the community.”

Grant funding for the pods has come from the Landfill Communities Fund grant from Viridor Credits through Community First, £20,000. Arts Council England South West, £7,500. The Foundation for Sport and the Arts, £5,000.

The late Lord Methuen’s Charitable Trust, £2,500. Sponsorship from Trinity Guildhall and the Friends’ Pod Appeal: combined total of almost £4,000. Combined grants from The Joyce Fletcher Trust, The Walter Guinness Trust, The Ray Harris Trust and The Nick Mason Trust of approximately £3,000.

Mr Martin said: “With one final push we will be in a position to commission the new pods this summer.”