New leisure centre gets planning permission

An artist's impression showing the proposed design of the centre

Planning permission has been granted for a new leisure centre in a Wiltshire town.

The application for Trowbridge Leisure Centre was given the green light, subject to conditions, by the Strategic Planning Committee on 11 December.

Wiltshire Council said a report will be presented to Cabinet early next year and they will be asked to consider the final plans.

Work to construct the facility, which is expected to cost around £25m, is expected to begin in 2025.

This is a significant moment for the project, said councillor Ian Blair-Pilling.

Councillor Ian Blair-Pilling, cabinet member of leisure and public health, said:

"This is a significant moment for this project, and I'd like to thank all the officers, contractors, stakeholders and the public for their hard work and diligence in getting us to this stage.

"Our vision is to deliver a modern, impressive, energy efficient facility that will have health and well-being right at its heart and play a key role in linking that area of Trowbridge to the centre of town, improving what our county town has to offer."

As part of the planning process, Wiltshire Council engaged with residents through drop in sessions and a survey which asked for people's feedback on the plans.

Around 700 people attended the drop-in sessions held throughout the town during June, and 692 people responded to the survey.

The leisure centre will also include an adventure play area

Wiltshire Council said the leisure centre will be constructed using high-quality, robust materials, with glazed facades and a prominent entrance to welcome visitors.

The building will have solar panels on available roof space, which will help to power the all-electric building.

The new facility will have:

• A six-lane, 25m swimming pool

• 7m x 13m learner pool

• Gym with 120 exercise stations

• Two studios

• Immersive spin studio

• Community meeting room

• Café

• Adventure play – providing activities for young people

• Live well suite - providing a dedicated space for older people to exercise