Plans for Wiltshire Council to pay £2.5 million for St Stephen’s Multi-storey Car Park in Trowbridge to be taken off its hands have been rejected by Wiltshire councillors.
At an Extraordinary Full Council meeting on 7th January, Westbury councillors joined their Wiltshire colleagues to consider a report outlining a proposal that would have seen staged payments made to the Castle Place shopping centre owner to take on the car park, demolish it and the centre, and redevelop the site.
The multi-storey car park has operated as free parking under a long-standing covenant.
Councillors debated the proposals at length. Council leader Ian Thorn described the car park as being in a “dreadful, dreadful state,” while Conservative councillors questioned whether sufficient information had been provided to make an informed decision. The vote resulted in a tie, with council chair Laura Mayes using her casting vote to block the funding.
Westbury North councillor Boaz Barry welcomed the decision but warned it raised wider questions for communities across Wiltshire.
“The multi-storey car park in Trowbridge still belongs to the people of Wiltshire – and that matters,” Cllr Barry said.
“I represent Westbury, but what has been happening in Trowbridge should concern every town and community across the county. If Wiltshire Council is prepared to spend £2.5million of public money to offload a valuable public asset simply because it’s the easiest option, what precedent does that set?
“Once that door is opened, where does it stop? Today it’s a car park in Trowbridge. Tomorrow, could it be Westbury Swimming Pool? Our leisure centres? Other community assets that residents rely on every day? This was never just about one site or one town. It’s about whether we protect public assets and pursue proper regeneration, or take the quick, easy route of offloading them. I know which side I’m on.”
Cllr Helen Belcher, cabinet member for assets, said, “We believe our plan represents the best value for taxpayers and provides a clear way forward. This car park is reaching the end of its life, so we have to do something – it can’t be left as it is.
“However, I recognise the strength of feeling and it is important that these views are heard. We will reflect on the discussions and will continue to keep residents informed as any future options are considered.”
Pictured: Cllr Boaz Barry
