The decaying bandstand in Trowbridge Town Park is unlikely to be fully refurbished and repaired until 2025, it was revealed last week.

Trowbridge Town Council says it will have to delay work on the historic bandstand because of other financial commitments.

Cllr Stewart Palmen, the council’s leader, said the Art Deco bandstand – built in 1939 - is still usable and safe to use for performances but needs urgent repairs.

The council’s town park working group met on Thursday (January 18) to finalise proposals and hopes to make a start on the structure this year if funds permit.

They have proposed phasing work to refurbish the bandstand to spread the likely £253,000 costs over time. The figure includes the current estimates of £177,000 for the refurbishment and £76,000 for concrete works.

Cllr Palmen added: “Instead of trying to shave down the specification for the phase one works we are looking to raise additional funding from elsewhere to enable starting the project within this year.

"This funding would also cover repairing the concrete structure under the main stage."

The Liberal Democrat-controlled council commissioned an architect last year to undertake some designs for external appearance improvement and address accessibility issues.

It said last year: “The bandstand currently doesn’t have disability access to the stage area, leaving anyone with a mobility impairment isolated from anyone who does not have any mobility restrictions.

“We propose to add a suspended floor on top of the current stage to level the rear door access to the stage and also provide a suitable base for dance and performance.

“Adjustments to the rear stair landing will allow the installation of a single occupier platform lift providing that need for disability access.

“Permanent steps fitted to the front elevation, along with the integration of a fixed light truss, will improve its appeal to organisers wanting to use it.

“Options to look at a ‘green roof’ are to be considered with water harvesting which can be diverted to the water bowers used on our planted spaces.

“Small works to the basement will provide additional storage space for street equipment that services the town and a small rest and changing area for the larger team delivering those extra services.”

In a poll of design options last year, residents indicated they preferred option three without rendering over brickwork.

Instead, under this option, the brickwork is to be repaired and cleaned. This will reinstate the bandstand to how it appears on some historic photographs.

The suspended floor is likely to be dropped and a ramp provided at the rear to allow rear door access to the stage.

The proposed first phase will make the bandstand watertight, with repairs to its concrete walls as well as its roof, guttering and windows.

One of the rooms at the back of the bandstand will be improved so that it can be used as a restroom by the Neighbourhood Services Team whose equipment store is next door.

The remaining refurbishment is hoped to be completed by the end of 2025 if all goes well.

The council approved a motion at the policy and resources committee meeting on Tuesday, January 9 to allocate £150,000 in the Capital Programme towards the refurbishment of the bandstand.

But this is dependent upon a carry-forward of unspent Community Infrastructure Levy funds from the current year and £90,000 of CIL income in 2024/25.

The council said: “Therefore, it is likely, on this basis, that the council will need to delay works to the bandstand until 2025/26.

“The council will reappraise the opportunities for refurbishment of the bandstand following completion of the Q2 accounts in 2024.”