Wiltshire Council faces £13 million challenge following Car Park decision
Financial and service cuts loom as redevelopment options for St Stephen's Car Park in Trowbridge narrow
Wiltshire Council has warned of financial challenges and cuts to services following the blocked proposal to hand over St Stephen's Car Park to a developer in Trowbridge.
Helen Belcher, Wiltshire Council's cabinet member for business development, regeneration and assets, described the situation as difficult and outlined the council's limited options moving forward, with the property owner confirming the adjacent shopping centre is not for sale.
The council is now exploring plans for substantial repairs and potential demolition of the existing car park. According to Belcher, this will cost £13 million, including £5 million for early repairs and planning, and at least £8 million for reconstruction.
She explained that servicing this level of borrowing could lead to nearly £1 million annually in repayments, impacting funding for other services.
What led to the current situation?
Cllr Belcher attributed the current challenges to a vote by opposition Conservative and Reform councillors, which blocked a proposal for redevelopment.
The cabinet had hoped to pay the owner of the shopping centre £2.5 million to take control of the car park and redevelop it.
She said the consequences of rejecting the plan were clearly outlined in council papers provided to members, including the financial and service-related impacts.
"We’re now having to plan substantial cuts as a result of that vote," Cllr Belcher said.
She described the decision as political point-scoring, claiming no alternative options were offered by opposition councillors.
The council remains concerned about the wider impact this could have on services across Wiltshire, particularly those aimed at supporting vulnerable residents.
"It's a lot of money that comes out of other services. We're going to have to look at some quite uncomfortable decisions, which most of mostly will impact the more vulnerable in our society and that's a really harsh cut," she said.
Limited options for redevelopment
The blocked proposal concentrated on redevelopment to avoid long-term costs and alternatives are now limited.
The council must consider repairing or rebuilding the car park, which was marked for redevelopment as far back as 2014.
Cllr Belcher noted further complications, such as the viability of private investment in the site.
With an estimated £13 million required for reconstruction, she questioned whether businesses would find it worthwhile to take on the car park without being able to charge users.
“The site in Trowbridge is a difficult one," she said. "This decision has closed down viable solutions and increased long-term costs, putting pressure on future budgets."
Wiltshire Council will include the car park in its upcoming budget debate at the end of February 2026, where final decisions for next steps may be outlined.