Calne Baptist Church on Castle Street is preparing for demolition and the start of its long-planned redevelopment, with work expected to begin later this month.
Planning permission for the project, which will see the existing building replaced, was granted in April 2023 following a narrow and at times contentious vote by councillors.
According to a recent bulletin issued to neighbouring residents, the church confirmed it decided at a special meeting in January to press ahead with the new build. It has since signed a letter of intent to appoint Gaiger Brothers of Devizes as prime contractor, with contracts expected to be finalised shortly.
The church is due to hold its final service in the current building on Sunday 15th February, after which the week of 16th–22th February will be spent clearing the site and placing items into long-term storage.
Keys are scheduled to be handed over to the contractor on 23rd February, at which point site setup and demolition work will begin. Professional agents are working on matters including building control, highway access and utilities ahead of construction.
The approved redevelopment plans include a replacement church building around one metre taller than the existing structure, providing seating for 150 people alongside a café, new toilet facilities, improved parking provision, cycle storage and electric vehicle charging points.
When permission was granted in 2023, residents raised concerns about noise, parking, privacy and the loss of the historic building, parts of which dated back to 1817. Supporters of the scheme argued it would deliver improved community facilities and secure the church’s future on the site.
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