Decision

To approve the freehold purchase of Trowbridge Hospital at a value of [Redacted].

Reasons for the decision

The NHS have put the Trowbridge Hospital site on the market being a circa 3 acre site via Alder King, following completion of the Integrated Care Centre on the adjacent site. The Council has submitted a best and final bid for the site, see Annex A, which has been accepted by the NHS. Heads of Terms are being prepared for the acquisition and this decision is in advance of these.

The Council’s interest in the site is for the delivery of a care home, with capital up to £1.700m approved at Full Council on 21 October 2025. The bid submitted was at [redacted] on an unconditional basis and completion is required by 30 June 2026. A valuation of the site has been undertaken, through an external agent, on the basis of [redacted] supporting the accepted bid.

A detailed business case to support the purchase of the site was completed that evidenced the need for care provision of this type for West Wiltshire. [redacted sentence].

The need for a care home has been established by the Council for the Trowbridge area; via a review by Adults Commissioning and presented to Cabinet on 15 October 2025.

On acquisition, the site presents numerous risks to the Council including holding costs, site security and timescales for holding the asset – [redacted].

The site has a large number of buildings present and multiple entry points to the site, meaning that site access and risks exist.

Considerations/Issues/Risks

The site is extensive, comprising a large, dual-fronted footprint with multiple interconnected and standalone buildings, including a prominent listed structure that must be retained. The grounds are substantial, with boundaries adjoining residential properties to the south, a major road frontage to the north, an NHS facility to the east, and an existing care home to the west. This complexity will influence both interim management and future redevelopment.

If purchased this would present one of the largest and most complex sites that the PI&O service has had to managed and a void site.

[4 redacted paragraphs]

Financial Implications

A bid of [redacted] be accepted and with the associated costs of SDLT and legal fees it is not anticipated that the expenditure will exceed £1.700m

Any surplus funds available could be used to fund the necessary  investigations to progress with demolition of large parts of the site.

Based on previous experience of holding costs at other sites, the council should allow a [redacted] to hold the site. This is an estimate of the cost of security (patrols + mobile CCTV and monitoring), utilities, and general upkeep. These costs cannot be capitalised and will be a revenue burden.

The cost of the fencing would need to be added to this figure and if there is an NNDR liability, this would be in addition to [redacted]. These costs may not be capable of capitalising and are likely to be a revenue burden.

[redacted paragraph]

I confirm that in making this decision I have considered the following in line with Wiltshire Council’s Constitution:

Key decision requirements: Yes

Views of relevant cabinet member(s), committee chairman, area board(s): Yes – considered as part of the Cabinet and Full Council approvals

Consultation with cabinet member(s), the Leader and Scrutiny (for Executive decisions taken under Emergency Powers): NA – not using Executive Powers.

Consultation in accordance with the council’s consultation guidance and the views emanating from that process: N/A – although considered as part of the Cabinet and Full Council approvals

Implication of any council policy, initiative, strategy or procedure: Yes – the acquisition is intended to support the emerging Accommodation Strategy from People Directorate

Staffing, financial and legal implications: Yes – significant, see section 7-16 of the attached Rood.

The assessment of any associated risks in accordance with the Council’s risk management strategy: There is a significant risk that the business plan associated with the creation of a care home does not materialise – leading to increased holding costs. There is a risk of vandalism and antisocial behaviour on the site – immediate activity needed to secure the site. There is a significant risk that the business plan associated with the creation of a care home is not viable – leading to increased holding costs and the need to dispose of the site

Involvement of appropriate statutory officers and/or corporate directors and directors: Yes – considered as part of the Cabinet and Full Council approvals

Regional or national guidance from other bodies where relevant: NA

The council’s constitution, including the Procurement and Contract Rules (Part 10) and the Financial Regulations and Procedure Rules (Part 9), all relevant guidance, legislation, codes of practice, and protocols: Yes

Alternative options considered

Not acquire the site – rejected as both Cabinet and Full Council approval has been provided to acquire it.