A PRESENTATION to the parish on the million pound extension of Malmesbury Abbey will be held on Sunday followed by a public presentation on November 25.

Bill Wilson, co-secretary of the project steering group, said the public meeting would be held in the abbey as part of a programme of information and consultation.

"We are going to be presenting plans of the extension to local interested parties," he said.

He said although there were some architectural plans there were no completed drawings because the final form of the extension was still being discussed.

The plans include a three-storey extension and basement on the west side of the building to provide a visitor centre, exhibition area, conference centre and space for community groups.

The working group is aiming to complete the extension work in three or four years' time.

Plans to extend the Abbey were first developed in 1997 when the PCC Vision Day resulted in commissioning a team to investigate a west end extension. In 1998 the Shrubshole legacy opened up the possibility of funding this.

In 2000, the Space Audit was prepared with help from Living Stones, a company with experience of church extension and modification. This audit showed that the present space could not meet the Abbey requirements now and in the future.

The audit included allowance for new legal requirements on Abbey accommodation arising from health and safety and access legislation, which is coming into effect in 2004 including disabled access to public buildings.

A meeting was held in October with representatives from English Heritage, the Diocesan Advisory Committee, North Wiltshire District Council environmental services and the Council for the Care of Churches to outline the design proposals and gain feedback.

Anyone who would like to attend the public presentation at the Abbey on November 25 at 7.30pm should contact Mr Wilson on (01666) 823852.