Trowbridge business centre to be put on the market
Wiltshire Council is to sell the site to save money
A Wiltshire Council-owned business centre on the outskirts of Trowbridge is to be put on the market.
Ascot Court at White Horse Business Park offers serviced office space, co-working space, and meeting rooms under the council’s The Enterprise Network brand.
It has 18 offices and three meeting rooms, with on-site business support and networking for start-ups and small businesses.
The 17,000 sq ft, two-storey office block opened in 2000.
The White Horse Enterprise Centre is one of five in the county. The others are Digital Mansion in Corsham, which specialises in support for digital, cyber, and tech companies, Castledown Business Centre in Ludgershall, The Old Fire Station in Salisbury, and Porton Science Park, which specialises in science and technology companies.
The decision to sell the facility was waved through without debate at the meeting of Wiltshire Council’s cabinet on January 20, after councillors were told the decision had been made “to generate a revenue saving for the council.”
This week, the council pledged to support tenants through the transition as a new owner was found.
Ian Thorn, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “Cabinet approved the decision to dispose of the Ascot Court site in Trowbridge as part of its wider strategic approach to managing the council’s property estate.
“We recognise that Ascot Court is home to a number of businesses and organisations, many of whom play an important role in the local economy and in supporting residents.
“However, the majority of the site is vacant and in need of significant investment to refurbish it, which is why we have taken the decision to sell the site.
“We understand that news of the planned disposal may cause concern, but tenants have not been issued with formal notice and activity at the site continues as normal.
“We will work closely with any prospective purchaser to minimise disruption, maintain continuity wherever possible, and ensure tenants are kept fully informed throughout the process.
“We will also support businesses that may wish to consider alternative premises, helping them explore suitable options within the area.”
During the same meeting, councillors agreed to sell Summerlock Approach at Salisbury, a “private car park previously leased to third Car Park party, now vacant and not generating any income,” with “no current interest for the site,” and Five Lanes Carers Nest at Potterne, a “former nursery site now vacant and not required for future operational purposes.”
The cabinet also gave the go-ahead for the sale of a narrow strip of land on Bradford Road, Winsley, which had been “acquired as a potential highway scheme” but is no longer needed, and a parcel of land off Marlborough Road at Royal Wootton Bassett, which is currently leased for cattle grazing. The land is opposite a site earmarked for housing.