Decision

To approve the preparation of legal documents for the transfer of St Stephens MSCP as per the Heads of Terms following Cabinet approval.

To approve the transfer of St Stephens MSCP as per the Heads of Terms following Cabinet approval, when it formally comes into effect.

Reasons for the decision

On 7 October 2025 Cabinet resolved to approve the freehold transfer of St Stephens Multi Storey Car Park,Trowbridge, which is interlinked with the adjoining Castle Place Shopping Centre. This was subject to Full Council approval of additional allocation of capital/revenue funds to facilitate the transfer

At a meeting of Full Council on 7 January 2026, authorisation was not approved as recommended by Cabinet on 7 October 2025.

At Full Council on 24 February 2026 a budget was agreed including an allocation of £5.100m (paragraphs 169 & 174 of the budget report). This amount was included to secure funding to undertake necessary repairs to the building in the next few years, ahead of a long term need to demolish and rebuild the structure, if the asset could not be disposed of, at additional high cost.

On 15 July 2026, the Cabinet considered and approved revised terms for the freehold transfer of St Stephens Multi-Storey Car Park, as attached in Appendix 1. As set out at paragraph 32 of the report to that meeting, the funding for the revised terms would utilise the £5.100m capital allocation approved by Full Council set out above, which is within the authority of the Cabinet.

There has been a long-standing aspiration for a redevelopment of the car park and adjoining shopping centre to create better linkages between Trowbridge town centre and St Stephens Place. The owner of the shopping centre has approached the Council to combine the interests
and bring forward development of the two sites.


The approval sought in this Record of Officer Decision is to proceed to instruct Legal Services based on the attached Heads of Terms (in Appendix 1). This work is to prepare enactment of the Cabinet decision; in the event the decision is called-in by overview and scrutiny, any transfer will be delayed until the appropriate process is concluded.

The Record of Officer Decision seeks approval to authroise minor amendments relating to clarity / accuracy of the Heads of Terms established during the preparation of legal documents.

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 – the decision was made at Cabinet on 7 October 2025. That decision was “called in” and subject to a Overview & Scrutiny discussion on 16 October 2025, who confirmed that the original decision can be implemented subject to appropriate funding. A further Cabinet resolution was made on 15 July 2026 to reallocate funds and agree the revised terms.

Consultation with cabinet member(s), the Leader and Scrutiny (for Executive decisions taken under Emergency Powers): N/A

Consultation in accordance with the council’s consultation guidance and the views emanating from that process: As set out in the Cabinet and Overview & Scrutiny papers.

Implication of any council policy, initiative, strategy or procedure: Yes

Staffing, financial and legal implications: The financial impact is detailed in the Heads of Terms and considered at Cabinet.

The assessment of any associated risks in accordance with the Council’s risk management strategy: Yes – as set out in the Cabinet paper There is a further risk that the Cabinet decision will be called in.

Involvement of appropriate statutory officers and/or corporate directors and directors: Yes – s151 and Monitoring Officer have been involved throughout

Regional or national guidance from other bodies where relevant: None

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

None