The new owner of Castle Place Shopping Centre has been unveiling some of their hopes for the site, as they talk to national chains about taking on space.

Property investor Tahir Ali bought the ailing centre after it was auctioned in December for the third time in six months, with the 47-year-old from West Yorkshire snapping it up for £534,000.

Stephen Brickell, overseeing the redevelopment with Brockhurst Property Management, said: “We are talking to a number of businesses who are interested in taking space at Castle Place, from creative start-ups, to bakers, florists and large national retailers.

“As the lower ground floor backs directly onto Trowbridge Town Park, with access to the park’s facilities, the Centre offers an exciting opportunity for leisure and commercial activities.

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Wiltshire Times: Tahir Ali at Castle Place in WiltshireTahir Ali at Castle Place in Wiltshire (Image: Submitted)

“Our aim is to transform Castle Place into a destination for businesses, residents and visitors to Wiltshire’s county town.”

Big names have reportedly expressed an interest in taking over the former Wilko and Wetherspoons units.

The developers have also confirmed existing businesses on the lower ground floor will continue to trade, including a butcher, mobile phone shop, hairdresser, beautician, tailor, barber and Turkish restaurant Beytish Kitchen.

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Mr Ali said: “When I was first looking at purchasing Castle Place, I initially spoke to Kez Garner of the Trowbridge Chamber who recommended I speak to Stephen Brickell at Brockhurst Property Management. Stephen and I have been working hard in the background on the management side to be able to bring Castle Place to the market on competitive and affordable commercial terms for new occupiers, which will be a welcome change from the previous regime.

“I also wanted to bring a regional dimension to our marketing and Stephen suggested we bring on board James Gregory of Alder King and here we are now launching the properties to the market.”

The centre has seen several traders departing for the busier Shires centre around the corner in recent months, with large parts being left vacant.