Wiltshire developer converts support into donation for local rugby club

A major housebuilder has given its support to a Wiltshire rugby club through a £2,000 donation.

Persimmon Homes Wessex marked it’s backing for Trowbridge RFC at their ground, Doric Park, in Hilperton earlier this month as part of its Community Champions programme, which sees £700,000 donated to good causes and much-valued organisations across Britain each year.

Records show that rugby was first played in Trowbridge during the late 1800s under the name of Trowbridge Victoria. In those days, the club played both rugger and association football depending on the number of players available each week.

The club has become increasingly popular ever since, with over a dozen junior teams in addition to its senior men and women sides, while its clubhouse has gone on to become a community space and its grounds are used to host annual events, including TrowFest back in May.

The accredited five-star housebuilder’s Wessex business has two, three, and four bed homes are available from £284,995 at Highfield Gardens in Hilperton, less than two miles away from the rugby club.

All 68 homes will be equipped with solar panels and electric vehicle charging points, while the site also includes public open space, a children's play area, and a cycling link connecting Middle Lane with Hilperton Road, reflecting the commitment to eco-friendly living.

Persimmon also secured a resolution to grant planning permission for its joint outline application to bring 2,500 new homes to Ashton Park in Trowbridge. The scheme will trigger contributions of £25.6m and a £7.5m Community Infrastructure Levy payment.

The developers will also deliver a £36.5m relief road, new schools, dedicated early years facilities, local centres, an ecology visitor centre, 13.6ha of employment land, and £5.4m will also be ringfenced for the Council to provide off-site affordable housing, in addition to the 27% of on-site homes reserved for local housing association partners.

Recent local recipients of Persimmon’s Community Champions scheme include Doorway Wiltshire, Julia's House Children's Hospice, and Trowbridge native Dorian Williams’ representation of Britain at the World Downs Syndrome Swimming Championships.

Commenting, Persimmon Homes Wessex Sales Director Pauline Fletcher said:

“Trowbridge RFC is an incredibly popular rugby club in the area, and we’re keen to support local organisations as we work to ensure we leave a positive and lasting legacy in the areas in which we build.

"With Persimmon currently building 68 new homes for local people in Hilperton and due to bring over a thousand homes to Ashton Park, we are undoubtedly construction homes for future generations of players and fans of the club.

“We hope our donation will be a boost to the club and wish them the best for the new season.”

Chris Lamb – President of Trowbridge Rugby Club, added:

“It’s great that Persimmon were able to support our club, especially given our ambition both on and off the field. The club is a very popular venue here in Trowbridge and Hilperton, so it is crucial for us to offer excellent facilities for watching and participating in the game of rugby.

“We also host local Bridge and Running Clubs, whilst also providing local businesses and organisations with the opportunity to hire our meeting rooms and training facilities.

“In essence we are proud to provide a top-notch venue in a space where families and friends can come together safely and have fun.

“Therefore, we really appreciate Persimmon's support for this family community-orientated club."