Trowbridge Town Park transformation plans move forward

Trowbridge Town Council has agreed to continue developing a £995,000 package of 'self-sustaining' projects designed to transform facilities in the park.

The scheme includes a new adventure play area costing £400,000, £235,000 of improvements to the mini-golf course and £360,000 for two covered padel courts inside a Dutch barn style building.

The council says income generated by the fast-growing racket sport would help fund repayments on the public works loan needed to deliver the project.

However, concerns have been raised by members of Trowbridge Bowls Club and some councillors over possible noise levels from the padel courts, as well as the overall cost of the proposals.

Cllr Lydia Wills (Reform UK, Paxcroft Ward) questioned whether sufficient information about project costs and noise levels had been made publicly available before decisions were taken.

She said: “I’m concerned about the noise level. It’s not transparent enough. We need to make sure it is transparent before we can make a decision.”

But Cllr Mel Jacob, chair of the council’s Policy and Resources Committee and Town Projects Sub-Committee, defended the process and said the plans had been shaped by extensive public consultation.

“We consulted with the public for two months and these project ideas came directly from the engagement work we carried out with residents last year,” she said.

“Councillors chose the park projects because they would make the biggest impact for the widest range of residents. The bandstand and pond remain priorities, but they fall outside this particular project.

“The padel courts have been included because it is a popular and rapidly growing sport which could help make the park a destination while generating income to support other improvements.”

Cllr Jacob said alternative funding options had included increasing the town council’s share of council tax.

“We preferred to try to raise funds through a commercial element rather than place additional pressure on taxpayers,” she said.

Responding to concerns from the bowls club, she said the council had already reviewed the proposed location of the courts and commissioned further noise assessments.

“There have been concerns about the possible noise impact and we have acted swiftly to consider repositioning the courts,” she said.

“An initial noise assessment was completed last year and another has now been undertaken for the revised location. These reports will help us determine any design features needed to reduce noise.”

She also rejected suggestions that decisions had been taken behind closed doors.

“There is no secrecy here. Councillors have had access to the noise assessment, business plan and financial information and have made decisions based on that evidence,” she said.

Results from the council’s consultation, which ran from March 2 to May 3, show strong support for investment in the park.

A total of 631 people took part, with 97 per cent backing plans to improve the site.

Residents highlighted swings, slides and climbing equipment as priorities for the new play area, while accessibility and inclusivity were also identified as key considerations.

For the mini-golf project, year-round accessibility emerged as the most important factor. The Dutch barn-style design proved the most popular option for the proposed padel courts.

Many respondents also expressed support for a splash pad, citing the success of similar facilities elsewhere in Wiltshire.

The next stage will be the submission of an outline planning application later this month. If permission is granted, as expected by the end of August, councillors will be asked in September to approve borrowing arrangements and funding for the scheme.

If approved, the council hopes to complete the new play area by summer 2027, the padel courts by autumn 2027 and the upgraded golf course by spring 2028.