Wiltshire Council has purchased the former Trowbridge Hospital site as part of plans to increase the provision of modern care accommodation for residents with complex health needs.
The authority said the acquisition forms part of its long-term strategy to ensure there is enough high-quality care provision to meet rising demand, particularly as more people live longer and with conditions such as dementia.
The purchase follows the council’s £3 million investment in the neighboring Trowbridge Integrated Care Centre and is intended to support future health and care services in the town.
Wiltshire Council has refused to confirm the cost of the purchase, labelling the information “commercially sensitive”. It is not clear when the public will be provide this information.
Work will now begin to assess options for the site before detailed proposals are developed. Wiltshire Council said local residents, community groups and other stakeholders will be consulted as the plans progress.
Councillor Clare Cape, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Wiltshire Council is committed to investing in modern, high-quality care accommodation that reflects the needs of our communities today and into the future.
“As more people live with complex conditions, we must ensure that we have well designed facilities where staff can provide the specialist care and support that residents deserve.
“The purchase of the former Trowbridge Hospital site is an important step towards achieving that ambition. While this is still at an early stage, it demonstrates our commitment to planning for the future and ensuring there is sufficient high quality space for care provision to meet growing demand.”
He added: “We look forward to working with local people, health and care professionals and stakeholders as we develop our plans and we will continue to keep the community updated as the project progresses.”
Nicola Booth, Senior Transaction Manager for NHS Property Services, said: “Following the recent completion of the neighbouring Integrated Care Centre we are very pleased to have helped facilitate the successful sale and transfer of the former hospital site across to the Council, who will now progress the development of the site to provide the right care provision for patients in the local community.
“The proceeds of the sale will be reinvested back into the NHS estate, helping to support the Government’s ten year capital health plan.”
Further details will be released as proposals for the site are developed.
