CALNE Town Council have announced that the eagerly awaited Splash Zone due to open at the Recreation Ground, will no longer be happening.
The council say the decision to abandon the project comes due to 'rising costs and difficulties in obtaining permission for the water connection'.
Last year, Calne Town Council held a community engagement exercise which revealed a Splash Zone was a key priority for residents when asked what changes they'd like to see to leisure facilities in town - £280,000 from developer Community Infrastructure Levy contributions was allocated to fund the installation of a Splash Zone. A competitive design and build tender for the work was advertised in March and April 2023 and two companies submitted proposals.
The zone had been due to open this summer, but despite extensive contact with the water supply company and support from the Splash Zone supplier the project could not be delivered within the budget allocated or be in place on time, as planned.
Increased costs to the supplier had been held over at 2023 prices to allow the discussions to continue but would have further increased the funding needed from the town council.
At council meeting yesterday evening, 15th April, it was decided that the funding they had previously allocated for the Splash Zone should be used to improve play value at the Rec and across all council play areas in town.
Director of Council Services – Alison Robinson said: "We are now working on plans to improve play areas across the town which we hope will provide improved facilities. Negotiations are ongoing with Wiltshire Council about the transfer of the play areas they look after. With costs for a Splash Zone likely to exceed £300,000 this investment can be shared across the town."
Town Mayor, Cllr MacNaughton said: "We understand that many will be disappointed that a Splash Zone will not be installed at the Recreation Ground but we had to weigh up the escalating costs against the investment needed to bring a seasonal facility to the Recreation Ground.
"We will be looking at approving other projects in the coming weeks for both children and teenagers”
The town council has already committed funding for new public toilets at North End play area and the Recreation Ground.
If you have any suggestions for equipment you'd like to be added, you can email:
Want to know what’s on in Calne? Visit our local events page for listings and to find out how to add your own events for free. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news. Have you got a story for us? Email editor@calnenews.com.
