Trowbridge residents have given the 'thumbs-up' to designs of a new proposed £25 million leisure centre which have been revealed by Wiltshire Council for the first time.
The council plans to build a new state-of-the-art leisure centre in the heart of Trowbridge town centre on its preferred East Wing site just across the road from County Hall.
The plans include a six-lane, 25-metre swimming pool and a 7m x 13m learner pool, a gym with 120 exercise stations, two fitness studios, an immersive spin studio, a community meeting room and a café.
An adventure play area would provide activities for young people and a Live Well suite a dedicated space for older people to exercise.
A series of face-to-face engagement opportunities are taking place to allow people to provide their feedback.
A Wiltshire Times reporter attended a session at The Shires shopping centre on Wednesday, June 26.
Paul Connor, 66, from Trowbridge, said: “I think it looks great. It is probably well overdue.
“It is nice that it is in a central location because the current leisure centre up by the school is way out of the way and difficult to and it is a little bit run down and out-of-date.
“I think the interesting thing is going to be the time it takes to get through planning and be constructed.”
David Sweeney, 67, from Trowbridge, also praised the design and layout for the new centre.
He added: “I only moved here a little while ago but it is an up-and-coming area. The swimming pool will be nice.”
Husband and wife Stephen and Gail Osmond, from Paxcroft in Trowbridge, were also impressed by the plans.
Gail, 59, said: “I think it is brilliant. It is good.”
Steve, 65, added: “I am planning to retire this year or next year, so maybe I will sign up for membership.”
Lesley Dawe, 69, from Hilperton, added: “I think it’s a good idea because we need something like this in the centre of Trowbridge for everybody.
“For me, it is ideal because I live just across the way and I like swimming.”
Katrina Hodge, from Hilperton, agreed and said the leisure centre is going to "be wonderful”.
Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for leisure and public health, said: “We want this to be a hub that will draw in people of all ages in to use the excellent facilities, which will have a positive knock-on impact on the wider town.”
Following extensive consultation, the leisure centre facility mix does not include a sports hall, or squash courts.
Others session will be held at the County Hall on Thursday, June 27 from 10.30am to 2pm, and at Trowbridge Sports Centre on June 27 from 3pm to 8pm.
An engagement survey to get people’s feedback on the plans is online at www.new-trowbridge-leisure-centre.co.uk.
It runs until Monday, July 22 and hard copies can also be found at County Hall, Castle Place Leisure Centre and Trowbridge Sports Centre.
Once the engagement period is completed comments and feedback will be reviewed before submitting a planning application.
Subject to planning permission, it is expected that construction of the new centre will begin in 2025.
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