A new secondary school for Melksham - "Melksham Oak" - is under construction, and is due to open to replace the George Ward School in 2010. It will be know - its full title - Melksham Oak Community School.

Map locator - Melksham_Oak


The "Oak" in the name comes after an old Oak tree which is in the corner of tge site ... curently with a load ob builder's barriers around it, and I would suspect that's to ensure that the tree really is still there when the school opens.


Melksham Oak - named after the oak tree

The site is well protected with a high hedge (but being winter, it is possible to see through it - if not to photograph through it with branches in the way. Here's a view taken "through the keyhole" - almost literally if only you knew!


Under Construction, December 2008


Melksham Oak and its near neighbours

Melksham Oak is on the opposite side of town to the George Ward School which it will replace, but I can't fault it for the new siting - here's a picture taken just across the way of the recently expanded Bowerhill area:


Melksham Oak is close by Bowerhill

And there is infill development going on between the town and the School, such as Mallory Close.


Mallory Close - a recent development


There is concern that school access will be via this single path or a main road with no footway


Grade One listed building and construction crane


Set in the trees - an old house from Melksham Spa


Melksham Spa houses - set slightly back from the school access road.

Read more about it here on my blog

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