Pupils from schools across Trowbridge have come together to bury a time capsule at the site of the town’s new leisure centre, capturing a snapshot of life in 2026 for future generations.

Held on Tuesday 9 June, the special event brought together children from local primary and secondary schools, Wiltshire Council representatives and construction partners Pellikaan at the Bythesea Road site, where the new Trowbridge Leisure Centre is currently under construction.

As work continues on the modern new facility, pupils marked this key milestone by placing a collection of memories, reflections and creative work into a sealed capsule, which will remain buried on site until at least 2056.

Schools taking part included Bellefield CE Primary, Castlemead Primary, Newtown Community Primary, St John’s Catholic School, The Mead Primary School, Holbrook School, Staverton CE VC Primary, Westwood with Iford School, St Augustine’s Catholic College, John of Gaunt School and Silverwood (Trowbridge campus).

The time capsule includes a wide range of pupil-created items, such as letters, drawings, graphs, photo montages and photographs. A memorial book created by St Augustine’s Catholic College to mark the death of Queen Elizabeth II has also been included, alongside construction materials provided by Pellikaan – offering a glimpse into how the leisure centre itself was built.

As part of the event, pupils were also given a behind-the-scenes look at the construction site, including a tour of the developing swimming pool areas – bringing the project to life and giving them a real sense of what the finished centre will offer.

Mrs Saunders, Head of Westwood with Iford School, said: “We are incredibly excited to be part of the time capsule event at Trowbridge Leisure Centre and to see the development of this fantastic new facility.

“As a small school with a big heart, where every child is truly seen and known, our pupils – from our youngest to our oldest – learn, play and grow together. This photograph captures that spirit of togetherness.

“We are especially proud that Sophie, one of our Year 6 pupils, was able to represent our school at the event, contributing to something that celebrates both our present and our shared future.”

The event provided a fun and unique opportunity for young people to be part of a major local development and leave their mark on Trowbridge’s future.

Cllr Mel Jacob, Cabinet Member for Communities, Engagement and Corporate Services, said: “This was a really special moment, bringing together young people from across Trowbridge to create something that will be discovered and enjoyed by future generations.

“The time capsule captures a snapshot of life today – from what matters to our communities to the creativity of our young people. By the time it is opened in 2056, the pupils involved today will be adults, and it’s wonderful to think their contributions will still be part of this site’s story.

“The new leisure centre will be a vital community space for years to come, supporting people to stay active, connect with others and improve their health and wellbeing, and this project has been a fantastic way to involve local schools in that journey from the start.”

Gert-Jan Peeters, Director at Pellikaan Construction Ltd, said: “It was a privilege to welcome pupils to site and give them a glimpse behind the scenes of a project that will become an important part of their community. Pellikaan is proud to be helping create a leisure centre that will serve Trowbridge for many years to come, and the time capsule is a wonderful way to connect today’s young people with the future story of this building. When it is opened in 2056, we hope it will show the sense of pride, creativity and community spirit that surrounded this project from the very beginning.”

Julia Goddard, Regional Director at Alliance Leisure, said: “The time capsule is a lovely way to connect this project with the community it is being built to serve, something that aligns closely with Alliance Leisure’s commitment to creating facilities that have a lasting impact on local people. When the capsule is opened in years to come, it will not only tell the story of the centre’s construction, but also of the young people and communities who were part of its journey from the very beginning.”

The new Trowbridge Leisure Centre, due to open later in 2026, will provide modern, high-quality facilities for the community, including swimming pools, a gym, fitness studios, adventure play for younger people and flexible community space.

The time capsule will remain buried at the site for at least 30 years, offering future residents a unique glimpse into life in Trowbridge in 2026 when it is eventually uncovered.

For more information about the new Trowbridge Leisure Centre, visit:
www.wiltshire.gov.uk/new-trowbridge-leisure-centre.