Wiltshire Council has confirmed that St Stephen’s Multi-Storey Car Park in Trowbridge will reopen on Saturday 17 January.

The car park has been closed for repairs since 6 October, with work taking place at the site, including the installation of fabricated steel back-propping. The works undertaken were preventative and safety-led, addressing known areas of deterioration identified through structural inspections.

These repairs are interim works to keep the car park open for the time-being, while longer-term options are considered following the recent Extraordinary Full Council meeting on 7 January. The repairs were essential because an engineers’ report stated: “Based on the current limited visual survey, parts of the structure such as levels 2A and 3A should not remain open through the winter months of 2025, without localised propping and/or repairs being undertaken.”

The car park is safe to reopen, and the council will continue to monitor it and carry out periodic inspections. Further investigative surveys and engineering assessments will inform any future decisions and further works.

During the closure, motorists have been able to park for free at Court Street and Church Street car parks in Trowbridge. Normal charges will resume at these car parks from Monday 19 January.

Cllr Helen Belcher, Cabinet Member for Assets said: “Thank you to everyone for their patience and understanding during the closure of St Stephen’s Multi-Storey Car Park over the past few months.

“These repairs were essential and were carried out as quickly as possible to ensure public safety. The car park is safe to open for motorists to use, and we’ll continue to monitor and assess what further work may be required in the future. We will keep people updated.”