The owner of the Castle Place shopping centre in Trowbridge is hoping to make a big announcement about new tenants taking space by the end of November.

Property developer Tahir Ali says he’s in talks with several potential retailers about the large ‘anchor’ store vacated by Wilko’s earlier this year.

He's also close to agreeing a deal with a local operator to take on the former Wetherspoon Sir Isaac Pitman pub next to Trowbridge Town Hall.

The first new tenant to take space, a Mini Market Express, is due to open by Friday, October 11.

READ MORE: Shopping centre owner unveils hopes for site as businesses look to move in

The new Mini Market Express is due to open at Castle Place shopping centre by Friday, October 11.The new Mini Market Express is due to open at Castle Place shopping centre by Friday, October 11. (Image: John Baker)

 

The investment is being made by the owners of the 7 Days convenience store on Wick Hill in Trowbridge and will include an off-licence.

Kez Garner, chair of Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce, hailed the possibility of new tenants at Castle Place as ‘good news’ for the town centre.

“We are pleased that the first new tenant is due to open in October and are glad to hear there is interest in the pub and the large former Wilko’s unit.

“We also look forward to seeing the Beard Construction hoarding outside the Town Hall being scaled back.”

Mr Ali revealed he has held talks with several nationally known retailers interested in taking the former Wilko’s store, regarded as the ‘anchor’ unit for the shopping centre.

“I am positively optimistic about Castle Place. We have got a few options on the table.

“There’s an old saying that when the tide rises, the boats rise with it.

“I am showing someone around today but I am going to keep my options open as this is a legacy project.

“I just want to do what’s best for Trowbridge and have been talking to the local authority who have been very supportive.”

In addition, Mr Ali’s had lots of interest in some of the smaller retail units at Castle Place  and says he could have let them “twice over”.

If all goes well, he hopes to make an announcement about new tenants by the end of November.

“With the anchor unit we are due to enter final discussions.

“For the other main units, we are in discussions with several interested parties and probably in the next six weeks we will pick someone.

“It’s about getting the right tenant and bringing in a business that is going to add value to Trowbridge and is going to bring in a lot of footfall.”