Trowbridge’s St Stephen’s Place multi-storey to close for repairs

The future of the multi-storey car park has been at the centre of discussion in recent weeks, with councillors and residents expressing concerns about the fate of the car park, a significant part of which remains cordoned off.

The car park, which provides direct access to Castle Place Shopping Centre and to the town park, has seen dozens of bays closed off since March 31, as Wiltshire Council has appointed an engineer to investigate the structure as repairs were required.

Wiltshire Council has now said concrete repairs must be done which will result in a two-day closure.

A spokesperson added the closure will take place in early August, with exact dates to be confirmed.

Levels 2A and 3A remain closed with the council saying this will still be the case following these works.

It is expected the council will carry out further repairs at a later date, but more details on this will be confirmed in due course.

The action is being undertaken as part of ongoing monitoring of the building.   

Cllr Helen Belcher, cabinet member for Assets, said: “This is an ageing structure which people in Trowbridge and the wider area are clearly interested in.

“It is therefore important we carry out this urgent work so that it can continue to be used for the immediate future. We appreciate people’s understanding and patience while this work is carried out. 

“Given its age and condition, we need to consider all the options available for the longer-term future of this car park. Because there are lots of factors to consider and stakeholders to speak with, this is likely to take some time.

“It is possible further repairs will be required in due course. We will, of course, keep people and stakeholders updated.”

(Image: Trevor Porter)

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In mid-May, the Wiltshire Times reported Wiltshire Council has said it has received a report from the engineers and was currently considering the recommendations made in the report.

On Tuesday, June 24, the council said it was still “considering” the engineers’ report.

Last week, Trowbridge’s mayor called for plans for the future of the car park to be made clear. 

Posting on social media, Cllr Stephen Cooper said that the council needed to share the plans, and that the car park must be brought up to date.

He said: “Love it or loath it, Trowbridge's multi-storey car park is a landmark in our town. Wiltshire Council (who own and administer the car park) need to share their vision for its future with us now.

“Personally, if we are to retain it, it must be brought up to date and its terms of use revised.

“Structurally it must be made safe and secure.

“Visually it cannot continue to be an eyesore in the heart of our town.

"Operationally, the bays are too small for many modern cars and the two tier free parking (2 hours or 24 hours) is unnecessary.

“If we are to retain this car park, widen all the bays (but because of the placing of the support pillars this would mean losing one third of the spaces).

“But then make all floors four hours free parking between 8am and 6pm with ANPR control/enforcement (if you are visiting the town to shop during the day, four hours should be enough whilst two is definitely too little). Outside these hours, or on a Sunday, free parking on all floors.”