More makeover money sought for Trowbridge

Wiltshire Council’s boss has revealed that the authority is to seeking more millions to be spent on doing up the town.

The council has received £16,347,056 from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund to be spent on sprucing up the county town, but £8,176,810 of that has been allocated to restoring and refurbishing the Grade 2 listed town hall.

That leaves just £8.1 million for the council’s ambitious plan to smarten up Trowbridge, open independent shops and start-ups, create new jobs and provide more homes above buildings in the town centre.

Residents have commented on social media that £8.1 million may not go far in a town that has many buildings and areas in need of a facelift.

Pitman House, could do with a lick of paint. Photo Trevor Porter

But Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, told this newspaper that it is chasing more makeover money for Trowbridge. It is understood from other sources that millions from the Heritage Lottery will be sought.

“These projects are only the beginning of the regeneration of Trowbridge town centre. We are actively seeking funding to enable other exciting schemes to come forward in the future,” said Mr Clewer.

Speaking about the facelift plan, he added: “We are excited about these proposals and the positive impact they could have in helping to improve the experience for shoppers and visitors whilst also ensuring the town centre can grow and have a sustainable future.

“We hope local people will take the opportunity to tell us how they would like the centre of Trowbridge develop in a way that encourages people to spend time there.

The council’s ambition is to turn Trowbridge into “a place that people want to visit and spend time in”, shaking off the dowdiness which has caused some non-residents to ironically dub it “Trow Vegas”, because they say it is currently anything but the glitzy Las Vegas.

The scheme proposes “pedestrian improvement” of Wicker Hill, Hill Street, Fore Street, Manvers Street, Church Street, Union Street, Castle Street and Roundstone Street. This will involve widening pavements and footpaths, laying new paving to match that in the town centre and, in Union Street and Church Street, removing traffic signals and replacing them with zebra crossings.

The council wants to create a “Trowbridge Trail” which it says will “encourage people into the historic town centre and improve the image and identity of the town by transforming pedestrian and public areas”

The plan also includes development of the River Biss corridor between Town Bridge and Castle Street Bridge, which will involve planting trees, installing benches, creating new paths and pocket parks and installing new lighting, “to improve green infrastructure and increase wellbeing and amenity value, making Trowbridge a pleasant place to walk and cycle, increasing visiting time and encouraging footfall”.

The council said in investment in the town hall “will maximise the capacity for the building to host an exciting and vibrant programme of community-led cultural and social activities for the people of Trowbridge, enabling it to fulfil its potential as a landmark asset for the town”.

Before the Trowbridge facelift begins the council wants to hear from the public on how they want New Trowbridge to look – and to say why they do and don’t go there.

It is asking people to take part in an online survey which asks: What should Trowbridge be known for? What brings you here? What makes you want to stay? What makes you want to leave? How can we bring more people to Trowbridge?

To complete the online survey go to www.wiltshire.gov.uk/fhsf‐trowbridge or contact Wiltshire Council’s Customer Services on 0300 456 0100 to request the survey as a paper copy. All responses to be received by 5pm on February 11.