Work begins to transform historic Devizes courthouse into Wiltshire Museum

Work has begun to transform a long-derelict courthouse in Devizes into a new home for Wiltshire Museum, in a £14.5 million project expected to bring the historic building back to life by 2030.

The Grade II* listed Assize Court, built in 1835, has remained unused since it closed in the 1980s. The redevelopment aims to preserve the historic building while creating a larger space for the museum's collections, exhibitions and educational activities.

The initial phase of work is expected to last around 12 weeks and will prepare the building for the main construction programme, which is due to begin early next year.

Historic courthouse set for new purpose

The preliminary works will include removing lead paint, lime plaster and sections of the ceiling as part of efforts to conserve the listed building before the wider restoration begins.

Nicola Trowell, programme manager for the Assizes for Devizes project, described the start of the work as a significant milestone.

She said: "The start of the enabling works is a monumental - and first truly visible - step in our project to save the Assize Court and transform it into a new home for the Wiltshire Museum."

Wiltshire Museum received planning permission from Wiltshire Council in August 2025 to restore the former courthouse and turn it into a modern museum facility.

New museum to include cafe, gardens and learning spaces

The plans extend beyond exhibition galleries, with the redeveloped site expected to include a cafe, dedicated learning facilities, a multi-use event space and gardens.

The new location will provide additional room for Wiltshire Museum's collections, which include significant archaeological finds and gold objects discovered in burial sites near Stonehenge.

The museum's existing premises in Devizes are too small to display or accommodate all of its collections. Under the plans, the current building will become a collections discovery centre, providing new opportunities for people to explore the museum's holdings.

The redevelopment is intended to strengthen the museum's role as a cultural and educational attraction for Wiltshire, while creating additional facilities for residents and visitors.

Mayor welcomes plans to restore historic building

Devizes Town Mayor Vanessa Tanner welcomed the project, highlighting the opportunities it could bring to the town and the wider county.

She said: "Having the Wiltshire Museum in Devizes is such a great opportunity for the people in our town, our county and tourists from all over the world."

She added that she was excited to see the historic Assize Court brought back to life through the efforts of the museum team, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and those who had donated time and money to support the project.

Millions raised towards £14.5m project

The project received £8.5 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund in December 2025.

More than £12.5 million has now been raised towards the overall £14.5 million cost, with further contributions coming from individuals, trusts and foundations.

Additional funding is being pursued to close the remaining gap and allow the full redevelopment to proceed.

Once completed, the restored Assize Court is expected to reopen as the new home of Wiltshire Museum in 2030.

The project represents a major investment in Devizes' historic heritage, giving a long-unused landmark a new purpose while creating a larger and more accessible space for Wiltshire's history and archaeological collections.