Council receives almost 1,000 survey responses for Trowbridge leisure plans

Wiltshire Council has provided an update on its plans to provide improved leisure provision in Trowbridge, with the council receiving almost 1,000 responses to a recent public survey.

The council ran a survey alongside its consultants, Max Associates, from 15 August until 18 September, so that people could share what they think the current leisure needs and priorities are for the Trowbridge area. In total, 962 responses were received.

Along with the survey, Max Associates held internal and external stakeholder workshops to discuss how physical activity and wellbeing can help both council services and organisations to deliver their outcomes and achieve their goals. The council and Max Associates have also spent time reviewing relevant national and local strategies, as well as data, to ensure that they can form a complete picture about what kind of leisure provision could benefit the Trowbridge area best.  

The next steps will see the consultants undertake a high-level review informed by the survey results, which are currently being analysed. They will present their preferred viable option on what type of services and facility should be provided and where, within the budget that has been agreed by the council. It is possible that more than one location may be put forward for consideration, and if that is the case the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities will be highlighted for each potential site. This will be presented in the form of a report and that will be shared with key stakeholders. Following an internal review, the council will then produce a business case that clearly maps the way ahead.

A decision will be made in early 2023 on how the project will be delivered or if more investigation is needed; but exact timescales on this will be confirmed and clarified as the project progresses.

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Leisure said: We were delighted to receive such a high return rate to our recent survey. Not only did we receive almost one thousand responses, but they came from a real mixture of different demographics, which makes the information especially useful.

We are determined to provide services and facilities that will be well used and embedded in the local community for the long term, so the diligent and detailed work we have completed at this stage is very worthwhile.

We want Wiltshire to be a place where people stay active and we have vibrant well-connected communities. I thank everyone in the Trowbridge area for taking the time out to support our efforts to achieve this.

Trowbridge Area Board received an update on the project at its meeting on 6 October.