Vacant unit grants worth a total of £1.9 million from Wiltshire Council are helping to breathe new life into the Trowbridge town centre shopping area.
The grants are being handed out businesses that apply for help to revitalise empty commercial properties as part of the town’s £16.3 million Future High Street Fund award.
Kez Garner, chair of Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce, posted an update on their website praising the impact the grants are having on the town centre.
She said: “At last the Vacant Unit Grants are showing great results and a few other refurbishments are happening too this summer.
“We want to highlight some of the things that are in the pipeline and there is more good news coming soon.”
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The former Coral betting shop at 57 Fore Street with its new-look frontage. (Image: Trevor Porter)
Wiltshire Council leader Richard Clewer, said: “The Vacant Commercial Units Fund was created to transform empty commercial spaces and introduce a more diverse and sustainable range of uses in Trowbridge town centre.
“This initiative is part of the Future High Streets Fund investment in Trowbridge and is supporting 25 projects.
“To date, 18 vacant commercial properties have been given a new lease of life and are either open as retail units or have been refurbished by landlords and are ready to let.
“Additionally, three more projects are nearing completion, with the remaining projects expected to be finished by the end of September.
“Our goal is to make Trowbridge town centre a more attractive destination, encouraging residents and visitors to shop, relax, and meet with friends and family.
“The support we've provided to these businesses is already providing an improved town centre experience, encouraging repeat visits and supporting business growth.
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“We look forward to seeing more positive changes in the town as the final projects are completed.”
The Bowyer’s Studios in Stallard Street. (Image: Trevor Porter)
The £1.9m handed out in grants follows the recent £2.2 million investment by Wetherspoon in the revamped Albany Palace pub in Park Road.
The major refurbishment and redevelopment has extended the pub into the former Park House next door and includes a new courtyard walled beer garden.
Miss Garner said that the work taking place to bring Trowbridge retail shops and historic properties back into use is helping to revitalise the town centre.
It is not known whether the owners of the properties mentioned below have applied for or received grants.
The Relax and Recover therapy spa is taking a vacant unit at the Gateway centre. (Image: Trevor Porter)
Property developer Innox Mills Ltd has now completed its Bowyers Studios in Stallard Street with just a couple of studios remaining to rent.
A company called Relax Recover has opened a new therapy spa at 30 Gateway providing ice baths, medical infrared saunas, steam rooms to aid recovery from fitness work-outs.
Meanwhile, Stone Developments Wiltshire Ltd is launching its newly-refurbished apartments in the former Knees department store in Fore Street.
NJDance is taking studio space at the rear of the former British Heart Foundation charity furniture shop in Fore Street. (Image: Trevor Porter)
Trowbridge dance company NJDance is expanding into the rear of the former Woolworths store in Fore Street from August.
Colin Scragg, at commercial estate agent Carter Jonas, is working on several projects to attract new tenants into vacant retail shops.
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They include the former Dream Rassasy Indian restaurant premises at 12 Fore Street, which now has a new timber shopfront.
The former Dream Rassasy Indian restaurant in Fore Street now has an improved shop front. (Image: Trevor Porter)
The front part of the former British Heart Foundation charity electrical and furniture shop at 32 Fore Street, and the former Coral betting shop at 57 Fore Street, are also available to let.
Work has also started to divide the former M&Co store in Silver Street into three units which will also be available to let.
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