Leekes, who announced the £2 million refurbishment of its Melksham store earlier in the year, now have their proposed plans available to view at their store.

The company who have traded from the town since 1991 are planning further investment in their premises through the complete modernisation of an old building to the left of their site, to include a new modern frontage and roof. It is proposed that this refurbished building will accommodate new premises for the newly formed Bradford on Avon and Melksham Health Partnership along with a potential pharmacy and additional retail space for the Leekes Store.

Dr Kate Parker of the Bradford on Avon and Melksham Health Partnership said, “Our newly merged practices look after the needs of over 20,000 patients across the two towns and surrounding villages. The relocation of our Melksham surgery to the Leekes site would mean we can better meet the needs of our patients from a higher standard of premises, offering a greater range of services and treatments and also provide additional space for expansion to accommodate additional services in the future.”

Peter Martin, Store Operations Director for Leekes says, “We are delighted to be working closely with the new practice and this is an ideal opportunity to support the local population by helping to ensure that a vital community resource is able to develop.”

“The benefits will be advantageous to all as the relocated surgery will increase the services on offer to patients currently registered, but also improve access to those people living to the west of Melksham. In addition, at least 20 new vacancies will be created within the store by the development as well as employment for a number of sub contractors needed to undertake the work required to refurbish the building.”

“Having traded out of our Melksham site for 20 years, this development will enable us to further expand our offer in store allowing us to extend our range of products and ensure the site continues to trade successfully in the future.”

The consultation boards detailing the proposed relocation are now displayed at Leekes’ Melksham store, enabling local residents, customers and patients to familiarise themselves with the development and also to leave their feedback on the proposals.