Free car park to close until January for repairs

St Stephen's car park is reaching the end of its life, according to Wiltshire Council

A free car park with 446 spaces will be closed for three months for essential repairs.

St Stephen's multi-storey in Trowbridge was built in the 1970s and is reaching the end of its life, according to Wiltshire Council.

Part of the car park, which has 446 spaces, has already been shut off and it will close fully on 6 October until early January 2026.

Helen Belcher, the council's cabinet member for economic development, regeneration and assets, said: "We recognise it's a busy time of year as we head into the autumn and then the festive season, but Trowbridge has plenty of affordable car parks for people to use when they visit the town."

The free-parking arrangement at St Stephen's car park, which is near several restaurants and a cinema, comes from a 1974 Deed of Covenant.

On 7 October, the council's cabinet will vote on the wider future of the car park after an agreement was made in principle to transfer its freehold to the owner of Castle Place Shopping Centre.

Part of the car park has already been closed

The council has said the transfer of St Stephen's, if approved, would improve links between the car park and the town centre.

Ms Belcher added: "Given the age and condition of the structure, we need to consider all the options available to us.

"We know the current parking arrangements in the multi-storey are favoured by those who use them, but we have to consider what's in the best long-term interest of the town."