Plans for a new leisure centre in Trowbridge estimated to cost around £25 million have been approved. The new Trowbridge Leisure Centre, set to be built on the East Wing site of Bythesea Road, will include a 6-lane 25m pool, a learner pool, a cafe seating up to 60 people and a changing village.
As well as the swimming facilities, the new site opposite County Hall will also boast a fitness suite catering to 120 people, three different fitness studios, a 30-person group cycle studio, a community meeting room and an adventure play area.
Wiltshire Council has also approved a new four-way signalised junction with pedestrian crossings on every side to allow access to the leisure centre, and a car park which will incorporate electric vehicle charging, bus, coach and disabled parking, and bike stands alongside regular parking spaces.
“It’s excellent for Trowbridge,” said Trowbridge Council leader, Stewart Palmen. “It’s right in the centre of town and the location is practically perfect.”
According to planning officers, the site is being built around active travel principles to get as many people to the leisure centre by means other than cars.
To ensure sustainability is at the heart of these plans, the roof is being designed with solar panels, air sourced heat pumps and other insulated techniques to make the leisure centre as sustainable and energy efficient as possible.
Over 1,000 responses were received after a lengthy consultation process with residents, sports groups and organisations, and almost all of them were positive.
Trowbridge Civic Society is the only third party to have formally objected to the plans, with concerns that the development would detract rather than enhance the overall contribution to Trowbridge.
But sharing his enthusiasm, Councillor Ian Blair-Pilling called the plan “a complete package that has been thoroughly thought through,” while Councillor Ernie Clark declared the leisure centre to be “exactly what Trowbridge needs”.
“It was great to witness the overwhelming support from the local residents and the wider community for this impressive, modern and highly sustainable leisure centre that will support active wellbeing,” said Mr Bloomfield, director of the architects team.
“The proposals support the regeneration of Trowbridge town centre. The scheme is highly sustainable and all electric.”
Planning permission has now been granted after a unanimous vote, but on the condition that car parking space usage will be reviewed within the first year.
This comes after Councillor Jonathon Seed pointed out that many of the disabled parking spaces built at Melksham’s leisure centre aren’t used.
Councillors also clarified that sports hall provisions, not provided in the new centre, will remain at Clarendon Academy.
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