Politics & Council · Trowbridge
Trowbridge Town Council considers future of Doric Park site
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Trowbridge Town Council is exploring options for the long-vacant Doric Park site, with professional advice suggesting that preparing the land for future development could maximise financial returns.
The long-term future of the Doric Park site in Trowbridge remains under review, as town councillors prepare to discuss potential strategies for the five-acre plot. The land, which has remained unused since a major project to install all-weather sports pitches was scrapped, is the subject of ongoing discussions between council officers and a land agent.
A previous proposal to transform the site into a sports facility was abandoned by the town council three years ago. The decision followed a review which found that project costs had ballooned from an initial estimate of £3.8 million in 2020 to £6.6 million by early 2024. A report commissioned at the time described the project as unaffordable and representing poor value for money, with questions raised regarding the length of time taken to reach the cancellation decision.
As part of the current review process, the town council has engaged a land agent to provide advice on the most appropriate path forward. According to meeting papers, the agent has identified the site as a potential strategic development location. While agricultural land typically holds a lower valuation, the agent noted that this could rise significantly if the site successfully secures planning allocation or permission in the future.
The council is being advised to concentrate on establishing the site’s development potential rather than pursuing an immediate sale. The agent suggested that due to intensive development already planned within the wider Hilperton area, it is unlikely the site will come forward for immediate development. Instead, officials are looking towards the next local plan period as a more viable window for development.
To facilitate this, the site has been submitted to Wiltshire Council as part of the 'Call for Sites' process for the emerging Local Plan. The town council has emphasised that this submission is a preliminary step to ensure the land is considered for future use, and does not constitute a commitment to sell the land or guarantee that planning permission will be granted.
The policy and resources committee is set to discuss the latest advice regarding the site’s management on Thursday, November 4.
Source: Wiltshire Times — Trowbridge · View original