Campaign to make police station into community hub

The George Lane police station in Marlborough has been vacant since 2019

A campaign has launched to turn a former police station into a community hub.

Positive Community Action (PCA) want to see a vacant building at George Lane in Marlborough, Wiltshire transformed, but it is currently owned by a developer.

Phil Brady, director of PCA, said: "This is not a time for another commercial development that fails to address our communities' most pressing issues."

McCarthy & Stone, who recently submitted a planning application to turn the former police station into a retirement complex, said: "There is a significant need both locally and nationally to deliver housing that meets the needs of older people."

But Mr Brady claims a community hub could combat a "severe housing crisis" affecting the area.

The PCA's vision for 'The Marlborough Sanctuary' includes a community garden, showers and a kitchen area which could serve the area's homeless community.

"Our plan is to create a refuge of support, built by the community, for the community," Mr Brady explained.

"We have a unique chance to save a piece of civic infrastructure and align it perfectly with the needs of Marlborough families."

Danny Kruger, East Wiltshire MP, has described the PCA proposals as "good news".

He said: "Instead of more retirement homes Marlborough needs more family homes, more affordable housing and more community spaces. I look forward to working with local groups to explore options for the future of the police station."

Local MP Danny Kruger wants to "explore options" for the police station's future

McCarthy & Stone's proposals for a retirement complex at the George Lane site included plans for 30 apartments and efforts to honour the "heritage importance" of the building.

However, Wiltshire Council refused the plans due to "out of character" design elements and concerns over a lack of on-site parking.

A spokesperson from McCarthy & Stone has said: "There is a significant need both locally and nationally to deliver housing that meets the needs of older people.

"We are currently considering our next steps for the development at the former Wiltshire Police Station in Marlborough."

The George Lane police station has been vacant since Wiltshire Police moved operations to Gablecross Station, Swindon, in September 2019.