Planning

Has planning permission been submitted? How can I see the application?

The planning application has now been submitted. The reference number is PL/2024/80255. The deadline for comments is 11 October 2024.

Application can be found on the council’s Planning & Building Control Public Register at https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/.

 

Given Wiltshire Council’s pledge to be carbon neutral by 2030, what measures are being taken with this development to reach this aspiration?

The building design has been influenced by the council’s target for net zero carbon, aiming to be as carbon neutral as possible. A carbon consultant has been advising the design team from the outset of the project.

The project has taken a fabric first approach to the building design, meaning the building will be as energy efficient as possible. Solar panels will be installed on available roof space, helping power the all-electric building.

A carbon reduction and BREEAM pre-assessment have been undertaken to access how the project can reduce its embodied carbon, to ensure we achieve BREEAM excellent certification.

 

What is BREEAM?

BREEAM is used to specify and measure the sustainability performance of buildings, ensuring that projects meet sustainability goals and continue to perform optimally over time.

 

How will the project impact the local road network?

A transport assessment was commissioned to inform and support the proposed development and determine the site parking requirements.

The Trowbridge leisure scheme includes proposals to upgrade the highway to provide improved access to the site and aim to improve vehicular, cycling and pedestrian flow in the local vicinity.

The proposed works include upgrading current site access to a signalised junction to provide improved crossings points, with localised pedestrian/cycle route improvements on the site frontage including improved footway/cycleways

 

Next steps

 

What are the next steps?

The planning process is due to conclude at the end of 2024.

In the meantime, the project team will continue to develop detailed designs for the scheme.

Should planning consent be granted, we will be looking to appoint the contractor with works due to start in 2025.

When will the centre open?

Although it’s too early to provide a date on when the new centre will be open, subject to planning consent it is expected that construction of the new centre will commence in 2025. At this stage we cannot confirm when the centre will open. Follow our social media channels for future updates.

 

Facility mix

 How did you decide on the facility mix?  

We carried out extensive consultation and a review of a wide range of evidence and data. As a result, we have identified proposed facilities for the new centre that we believe will most benefit communities and the local area. They include:  

• a six-lane, 25m swimming pool. 
• 7m x 13m learner pool. 
• gym with 120 exercise stations.  
• two studios.
• spin studio. 
• community meeting room.
• café.
• adventure play – providing active play for young people. 

• live well suite – providing a dedicated space for older people to exercise.

The proposed facilities do not include a sports hall, or squash courts. We intend to retain these facilities and dry changing rooms at Trowbridge Sports Centre.  

 

Are there going to be diving facilities in the new swimming pool?

There will be no diving facilities at the new leisure centre. The facility mix was informed following extensive consultation and a review of a wide range of evidence and data. The focus is on delivering against local priorities, to ensure the greatest benefit for the community.

 

Will the new facility have a sports hall and squash courts?

Following extensive consultation and a review of a wide range of evidence and data the new leisure centre facility mix does not include a sports hall, or squash courts.  Wiltshire Council is in discussion with Acorn Education Trust regarding the existing facilities at Trowbridge Sports Centre.

 

What is a “Live Well Suite”?

The Live Well suite will provide an alternative environment to the traditional gym setting. The aim is to attract and encourage older adults, those living with long term conditions and people who are intimidated by a traditional gym environment to undertake physical activity in a welcoming setting.

 

What is “adventure play”?

The adventure play area will provide physical activity opportunities for children that may not have an interest in traditional sports. We are looking at TAG Active as a solution. TAG Active provides adventure play courses for all older children and adults. The course is designed to test strategy, speed, agility, awareness, and bravery whilst promoting fitness, fun and competition.

 

How will you ensure the facility is accessible for all?

The design team is being guided by the Sport England guidance on accessible facilities, to ensure we provide a facility for all. The scheme will include a Changing Places facility, accessible change provision, pool pod and multiple lifts. Changing Places are designed so that they are completely accessible and provide sufficient space and equipment for people who require it.

 

Site/location 

Why is East Wing the preferred site? 

An options review was undertaken to determine where the new leisure centre should be located. The proposed site was the most favourable option as it: 

• is centrally located. 
• has residential areas within reasonable walking and cycling distance. 
• has good public transport links.  
• provides the opportunity for multi-purpose trips, which will support the town centre. 
• is a site that Wiltshire Council already owns.
• means the existing facilities can remain operational during the construction of the new facility. 

 

What will happen to the Wiltshire Council staff parking located on the site currently?

Given the location we are aware that this project will likely impact staff car parking at County Hall. We are in the process of looking at all options for the future of staff car parking in Trowbridge, but nothing is decided yet. We will consult with all staff once we have a clearer way forward.

 

Will there be free parking at the site?

Whilst it is anticipated that there will be free parking on the site for leisure centre users, we are in the process of looking at all options for the future of car parking on and around the site.

 

Current facilities

 What facilities are proposed to stay at the current Trowbridge Sports Centre site?

It is anticipated that the dry side elements of Trowbridge Sports Centre will be retained. Including the Sports Hall, Small Hall and Squash Courts.

 

Will the facilities at the Trowbridge Sports Centre continue to be maintained until the opening of any new centre?

The intention is for Trowbridge Sports Centre and Castle Place to continue to operate until the new facility is open. Maintenance will continue at these sites.

 

What will the opening hours/programme be for the new centre? 

This is all being developed. We will keep the community updated as plans develop. We want to ensure the site delivers provision for the widest possible cross-section of our community.

 

Engagement

 

What public engagement has been done to support this project?

Two rounds of public engagement have taken place during this project. The first taking place in 2022 to identify the requirements of the project, which included

• Workshops with internal and external stakeholders with the objective of identifying the strategic outcomes of the project. The key themes identified: Community Impact, Public Health Impact, Economic Impact and Environmental Impact.
• A resident’s survey was conducted, which was completed by 962 residents with the objective of finding out what, where and how people are using the leisure facilities, outdoor space, community and cultural venues across Wiltshire, the barriers they face in participating in leisure and wellbeing activities and what facilities or improvements should be included to encourage residents and stakeholders to be more physically active.
• A survey of school age children was conducted, which was completed by 544 school-age children to investigate the attitudes and behaviour around physical activity and exercise in general from their perspective.
• Focus groups were set up including local charities, community groups and healthcare providers.

A second round of engagement was undertaken in June 2024 aimed to inform residents and businesses of the proposed Trowbridge Leisure Centre plans and collect feedback on the plans, prior to a formal planning application being submitted. The engagement included four in person events attended by members of the project/design team and leisure operational staff alongside an online survey. The in person sessions were well attended and a total of 692 survey responses were received.

 

What were the outcomes of the pre-planning consultation?

The statistics from the survey, on the whole, demonstrated that the local community are supportive of the proposal. Residents agree that the proposal would be beneficial to the locality, from both a design perspective and having facilities to use.

The project team have developed an action plan to address feedback provided.

 

Project management

  

Why is the council spending  money on a new  facility?

The health of our local communities is a key priority for the council and therefore we are prioritising this investment. We are committed to ensuring people have access to modern accessible leisure provision. This project will also have wider benefits including supporting the local economy and community cohesion. The project is also committed to local nature recovery.  

 

 

Has any previous engagement been done to understand what residents want?

Yes, engagement activity was undertaken in 2022, which included:

• Workshops with internal and external stakeholders with the objective of identifying the strategic outcomes of the project. The key themes identified: Community Impact, Public Health Impact, Economic Impact and Environmental Impact.
• A resident’s survey was conducted, which was completed by 962 residents with the objective of finding out what, where and how people are using the leisure facilities, outdoor space, community and cultural venues across Wiltshire, the barriers they face in participating in leisure and wellbeing activities and what facilities or improvements should be included to encourage residents and stakeholders to be more physically active.
• A survey of school age children was conducted, which was completed by 544 school-age children to investigate the attitudes and behaviour around physical activity and exercise in general from their perspective.
• Focus groups were set up including local charities, community groups and healthcare providers.

 

What will happen to the staff parking located on the site currently?

 

With the proposed Trowbridge Leisure Centre project due to start on East Wing in 2025, there may be some changes to future staff parking at County Hall. Please be assured that we are carefully reviewing the options for staff car parking in Trowbridge and we will keep you informed as this programme of work progresses.

 

 

Facility Mix

 

How did you decide on the facility mix?  

We carried out extensive consultation and a review of a wide range of evidence and data. As a result, we have identified proposed facilities for the new centre that we believe will most benefit communities and the local area. They include:  

• a six-lane, 25m swimming pool. 
• 7m x 13m learner pool. 
• gym with 120 exercise stations.  
• two studios.
• spin studio. 
• community meeting room.
• café.
• adventure play – providing active play for young people. 

• • live well suite – providing a dedicated space for older people to exercise.

The proposed facilities do not include a sports hall, or squash courts. We intend to retain these facilities and dry changing rooms at Trowbridge Sports Centre.  

 

Are there going to be diving facilities in the new swimming pool?

There will be no diving facilities at the new leisure centre. The facility mix was informed following extensive consultation and a review of a wide range of evidence and data. The focus is on delivering against local priorities, to ensure the greatest benefit for the community.

 

Will the new facility have a sports hall and squash courts?

Following extensive consultation and a review of a wide range of evidence and data the new leisure centre facility mix does not include a sports hall, or squash courts.  Wiltshire Council is in discussion with Acorn Education Trust regarding the existing facilities at Trowbridge Sports Centre.

 

What is a “Live Well suite”?

The Live Well suite will provide an alternative environment to the traditional gym setting. The aim is to attract and encourage older adults, those living with long term conditions and people who are intimidated by a traditional gym environment to undertake physical activity in a welcoming setting.

 

What is “adventure play”?

The adventure play area will provide physical activity opportunities for children that may not have an interest in traditional sports. We are looking at TAG Active as a solution. TAG Active provides adventure play courses for all older children and adults. The course is designed to test strategy, speed, agility, awareness, and bravery whilst promoting fitness, fun and competition.

 

How will you ensure the facility is accessible for all?

The design team is being guided by the Sport England guidance on accessible facilities, to ensure we provide a facility for all. The scheme will include a Changing Places facility, accessible change provision, pool pod and multiple lifts. Changing Places are designed so that they are completely accessible and provide sufficient space and equipment for people who require it.

 

Site/Location 

 

Why is East Wing the preferred site? 

An options review was undertaken to determine where the new leisure centre should be located. The proposed site was the most favourable option as it: 

• is centrally located. 
• has residential areas within reasonable walking and cycling distance. 
• has good public transport links.  
• provides the opportunity for multi-purpose trips, which will support the town centre. 
• is a site that Wiltshire Council already owns.
• means the existing facilities can remain operational during the construction of the new facility. 

 

What will happen to the staff parking located on the site currently?

Given the location we are aware that this project will likely impact staff car parking at County Hall. We are in the process of looking at all options for the future of staff car parking in Trowbridge, but nothing is decided yet. We will consult with all staff once we have a clearer way forward.

 

Will there be free parking at the site?

Whilst it is anticipated that there will be free parking on the site for leisure centre users, we are in the process of looking at all options for the future of car parking on and around the site.

 

Given Wiltshire Council’s pledge to be carbon neutral by 2030, what measures are being taken with this development to reach this aspiration?

 The project team is working with specialist consultants to ensure the new leisure centre is as energy efficient as possible. The project is looking at the whole life cycle of the building including long-term operational efficiency, embodied carbon and the impact of construction. We are also looking at how we can make space for nature within the wider landscaping scheme.

 

How will the project protect local ecology?

 The project team is working with ecologists and local stakeholders to ensure wildlife on the site is protected. In addition, we will be looking to enhance the sites biodiversity. The project will contribute to the recovery of nature and making sure habitat for wildlife is left in a better position than it is now.

 

How will the project impact the local road network?

 The project team is working with the local highway’s authority. The scheme will also be considering how it can encourage active travel and the use of public transport. One of the benefits of the East Wing site is its central location.

 

Current Facilities

 

What facilities are proposed to stay at the current Trowbridge Sports Centre site?

It is anticipated that the dry side elements of Trowbridge Sports Centre will be retained. Including the Sports Hall, Small Hall and Squash Courts.

 

Will the facilities at the Trowbridge Sports Centre continue to be maintained until the opening of any new centre?

The intention is for Trowbridge Sports Centre and Castle Place to continue to operate until the new facility is open. Maintenance will continue at these sites.

 

What will the opening hours/programme be for the new centre? 

This is all being developed. We will keep the community updated as plans develop. We want to ensure the site delivers provision for the widest possible cross-section of our community.

 

Project Management

 

What is the budget for the project?

The council has ringfenced £25m to deliver the project. The final cost is being developed alongside the design.

 

Why is the council spending so much money on this facility?

The health of our local communities is a key priority for the council and therefore we are prioritising this investment. We are committed to ensuring people have access to modern accessible leisure provision. This project will also have wider benefits including supporting the local economy and community cohesion. The project is also committed to local nature recovery.  

 

After this pre-planning engagement has taken place, what are the next steps?

Once the engagement period is completed, the project team will review the comments and feedback received and this will inform the formal planning submission to ensure the new facility meets the needs of the local area and communities.

 

When will construction start/centre open?

Although it’s too early to provide a date on when the new centre will be in place, subject to planning permission it is expected that construction of the new centre will commence in 2025. At this stage we cannot confirm when the centre will open. Follow our social media channels for future updates.

 

How long will be construction take?

At this early stage we cannot confirm how long construction will take. We will continue to update the community on progress.