It is hoped that work on the new integrated care centre, which is being supported financially by Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board ICB, NHS Property Services and Wiltshire Council, will begin in the coming weeks, with the build expected to last for approximately 12 months.  

Caroline Holmes, interim director of lace – Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire ICB, said: ‘We are delighted to have the go-ahead for this new integrated care centre, which will bring real benefits to the people of Trowbridge and the surrounding areas.

‘Having services based in the community, in locations such as this new state-of-the-art centre, will not only put care closer to patients' homes, but also support different health and care teams to work closer together, which should result in a much smoother, more joined-up experience of the NHS for local people.'

Like its sister site in Devizes, Trowbridge Integrated Care Centre is set to employ the latest green technology, such as solar panels and heat pumps, in order to be fully self-sufficient and net zero carbon.

Services currently based at Trowbridge Community Hospital will be moved to the new facility in phases as part of a planned relocation process, which will begin once building work is complete.

Wiltshire Council's £3 million contribution to the scheme derives from the Wiltshire Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which local authorities can impose on new developments to help fund infrastructure and to support growth.

Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for public health, said: ‘This is an excellent example of how the CIL can work for the good of local people.

‘We are using the monies obtained from developments to invest directly in key services for our communities, and this will rejuvenate health facilities in the town and benefit Trowbridge residents for years to come.'