Community groups in Wootton Bassett could be set for a massive boost if hopes for a new community centre with better facilities and easier access come to fruition.

Wootton Bassett Town Council is keeping its fingers crossed that Station House, located on the former St Ivel site, could soon be handed over for use as a community facility.

The former Uniq office block, built in 2000, is owned by KingsOak developers, which bought the site last year. Station House was included in the development brief for possible transfer to the town council for public use.

While a planning application for the site is not expected for some time the Gazette can confirm that talks concerning Station House will be taking place between KingsOak and the town council in the next few weeks.

Town clerk Jonathan Bourne said: "We will be holding discussions with the developers so we will have to wait and see what comes from those but the council has always let it be known what its aspirations for the building are."

Included in the town council's proposals is a large ground floor multi- purpose hall for up to 100 people, a caf drop-in area for all ages and a visitor centre for the proposed Brynard's Hill Country Park.

There would be further meeting halls, kitchen facilities, parking for 125 cars and a new Council Chamber.

Although the building is positioned less centrally than the Civic Centre, the town council believes extra parking will make it more accessible. It will be within walking distance from the new houses due to be built on the St Ivel site.

The proposals have been met with a mixed response from Civic Centre users. Mary Harrison, a member of the Historical Society and the Wootton Bassett Art Society, which use the building, said: "I love the Civic Centre it's got character, which I don't think Station House has. The steps are a bit tricky but I'm also worried about what the cost of hiring rooms in Station House would be."

Pat Savory is founder of the doll's house enthusiasts club 'Magic Miniatures', which uses the Civic Centre on a monthly basis. She said: "I must admit that we're very happy there although my only grumble would be the parking and the stairs can be hard work. I haven't seen Station House so I don't really know how it would compare."

If Station House is handed over to the town council the Civic Centre would be sold, with the possibility of it being turned into apartments. It is in a conservation area and therefore could not be knocked down.

The town's other main community facility is the Memorial Hall, which is run by a charity trust. It would not be affected by the proposed move to Station House.

Talks are also expected to take place about the possible handover of the old Beaufort Brewery for development incorporating an arts centre as specified by the development brief.