A rival bid for Corsham Mansion House and library has been submitted to Wiltshire Council by Bill Hall, owner of the town’s Martingate Centre.

At a recent meeting of the council’s Cabinet Capital Assets Committee, Wiltshire Council agreed to open discussions with Hadston Ltd, which owns Hartham Park, about the sale of the Mansion House and library to fund the town’s campus project.

Hadston’s bid, believed to be in excess of £1 million, features a community use for the buildings, including revamping the library with broadcast facilities. This would allow the town to have a TV or radio station.

Bath Spa University was also rumoured to be interested in creating student halls at Corsham Court.

Now Mr Hall has submitted a bid, believed to be in the region of £1m, with the site being used for residential and community purposes.

He said: “ I know the council is keen to keep it for community use – if this can be funded properly and there is shown to be a requirement when the community campus at Springfield is completed.

“The building is not particularly suited to community use, as evidenced by the fact it has remained empty for a long time.

“The great advantage of residential use is that owners look after their property. We haven’t yet managed to carry out a complete evaluation, but the main Mansion House building could provide six flats, which would be suitable for elderly people.”

Mr Hall said the centre block could provide larger self-contained units, with the possibility for some community use in the library building.

He said: “The Springvale Group and I have demonstrated our commitment to Corsham over eight years.

“We have redeveloped, and retained as an investment, the old precinct into the modern Martingate Shopping Centre, and are just completing the restoration of the old Nationwide office in the High Street.

“I remain committed to Corsham and would love to be involved in restoring this historic building in such a prominent position in the centre of the town.”

Cllr Alan Macrae, chairman of Corsham Area Board, confirmed Mr Hall’s bid had been received by Wiltshire Council and that it was being considered.

He said: “His bid is being looked at very seriously, but due to the importance of this matter, it may take a while for a decision to be made.

“Ultimately it will be for the Cabinet Capital Assets Committee to decide.”