Longleat gets approval for a new hippo house. Trowbridge plans move ahead, Jenner Hall needs repairs.
The park used to have two hippos, Sonia and Spot. Both lived to be 49 and passed away recently. Longleat wants to be a hippo care leader and aims to create a top-notch hippo facility.
The old hippo area was not modern and did not meet current animal standards. In 1976, hippos were common, and people didn’t worry about hippo conservation.
The new house can hold eight hippos and even has a classroom. People can learn modern hippo care. Longleat will bring hippos back slowly; two females will come first, followed by a male. They hope for baby hippos soon.
Guests loved seeing Sonia and Spot. They asked Longleat to bring hippos back. Sea lions will move to a pontoon, allowing guests to still see and feed them. The hippo meadow area will support wildlife.
A Trowbridge factory project is moving forward. It involves the Bowyer’s factory site. Plans include 284 homes and a store, along with commercial space.
The council and Innox Mills made a deal covering project impacts. The council granted permission on February 5th. They approved changes to the plan in December 2024.
Innox Mills wanted a different plan, allowing for more flexible, cheaper building. Phase 1 will cover a new area, changing when things get built. The project will transform the old site.
Jenner Hall in Cricklade needs repairs. This community building is also a parish hall. The outside walls need fixing, and the structure also needs support.
The north wall has a bulge, especially bad by the window. Some stone parts are cracked, and the joints inside have opened up.
Special pins will support the wall. These pins connect the wall layers and will stop them from separating. The council will decide by April 3rd.