Developer gives update on Trowbridge town centre building work

Stone Developments Wiltshire Limited, of Hilperton, has just gained planning permission to build a three-storey property next to its construction site in Castle Street.

The new property at 15 Castle Street will consist of six one and two-bedroom apartments and will mirror the new housing it is already in the process of building.

The firm’s director, Craig Stone, said: “We are already making good progress on 16-17 Castle Street, which will be watertight in six weeks.

“The first fix will start shortly and Scottish & Southern Electricity Network have carried out their works for the electrical supply.

“Residents can expect to see the scaffolding coming down within the next six weeks.”

21-23 Fore Street, Trowbridge, will be converted into residential accommodation above the ground floor shops. Photo: Craig Stone (Image: Freelancer)

At 21-23 Fore Street, the company is planning to retain the ground floor shops in the property that it acquired recently and let them to local businesses.

“Costa Coffee will remain and we hope to split the old Thomas Cook unit into two smaller units, to keep rents affordable," said Mr Stone.

“We have obtained planning permission to convert the unused, dilapidated upper floors into apartments and these will be sold on the open market once complete. 

“We are hoping to start works in the next three months.”

The company is breathing new life into The Ship Inn, Frome Road, Trowbridge. Photo: Craig Stone (Image: Freelancer)

Locals are also keeping a close interest on progress at The Ship Inn in Frome Road where the company is breathing new life into the old pub after it closed in 2018.

Stone Developments is building four one-bedroom and four two-bedroom starter flats with designated parking spaces. Prices will range from £140,000 to £185,000 when the development is complete.

Mr Stone said: “We have been happy to have been able to retain some of the original features, including the old front door to the pub.

“This has been restored and we’ve even had help from a local resident, Steve Lovering, who has provided us with a brass door knob from the right era.

“The second fixing is nearly complete and kitchens and bathrooms are installed in some plots. The externals will be completed in the next two to three weeks.”

Work has started on The Stern development behind The Ship Inn. Photo: Craig Stone (Image: Freelancer)

Stone Developments has also acquired planning permission to build six three-storey three-bedroomed homes in the pub’s disused car park in a development called The Stern.

“Neighbours have been really positive about the works that are being carried out,” said Mr Stone, who founded the company in 2014 with his wife Kerry.

The independent family-owned company has completed 50 properties and developments  and properties consisting of renovations, conversions, extensions and new builds.

“Scaffolding is now up and the timber frames are being erected from next week. In just four weeks’ time these houses will be up and ready for the installation of windows, doors and solar panels.”

At Wellstone House in Beanacre, the company is building a one-off four-bedroomed detached luxury house which will be listed this week with Kavanaghs in Melksham at £850,000.