Wiltshire’s Bold Vision: Economic Growth, Innovation, and Community Development Shape County’s Future

A County on the Rise: Wiltshire’s Strategic Development

Wiltshire Council has recently approved its budget for 2025/26, setting a substantial £527.42m investment to support key services for residents, communities and businesses while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Economic Strategy and Growth Zones

The county has embarked on an ambitious journey with its new Economic Strategy for Wiltshire and Swindon, establishing economic growth priorities for the next decade. This strategy is specifically designed to foster sustainable and inclusive growth across the region.

The strategy identifies key growth zones including:
– Swindon and the M4 Corridor, focusing on advanced engineering, financial services, pharmaceuticals, and defence technologies
– The A350 Corridor, known for high-value manufacturing, ICT, and tourism
These zones will receive targeted investments in transport, infrastructure, and digital connectivity to maximize growth potential.

Infrastructure and Innovation

The county’s newly adopted Local Transport Plan (LTP4) for 2025-2038 demonstrates Wiltshire’s commitment to creating “a safe and connected transport system which protects the country’s unique built, natural and historical environment making this accessible for all, supports sustainable economic growth across Wiltshire’s communities and contributes to a low carbon future.”

In a notable achievement, Wiltshire Police’s ICT team recently won a global award for their innovative use of robotics to improve data quality processes. This technology is enhancing service delivery and improving communications with the public, including features such as automated text messages for abandoned 101 calls.

Community Development and Services

The Wiltshire Towns Programme continues to receive significant investment, with £1M allocated annually through 2025 to support high street activities. This initiative addresses the challenges of changing consumer habits and includes the Vibrant Wiltshire grants project to help businesses revitalize vacant shops and commercial spaces.

The council’s commitment to community wellbeing is evident in its thriving leisure services and increased support for arts and heritage, with almost £379,000 allocated for 2025/26 to enhance Wiltshire’s cultural offerings, including the reopening of City Hall in Salisbury.