Be prepared for improvement works to start at Church Street and Union Street in Trowbridge

Residents and businesses are reminded that it's not long until improvements to the public realm and road network at the junction of Church Street and Union Street in Trowbridge start.

Works will commence on Monday 31 October 2022 and will predominantly take place during the daytime. Temporary traffic signals will be installed to manage traffic safely throughout the works which are anticipated to be completed by mid-January 2023.

The works consist of removing the current traffic signals at the junction and improving the public space in this area offering a more attractive route for pedestrians who use this key route into the town centre. As the junction falls within a conservation area where many listed buildings are located, the improvements will be in keeping with the conservation area status and provide an enhanced setting for these key historic features.

Further improvements include widening the footpaths on Union Street and Church Street, along with an informal crossing on Church Street outside of St James Church and a pedestrian refuge island crossing facility on Church Street close to Church Street Car Park.

The footpaths will be resurfaced with paving slabs and kerbing renewed to match the existing arrangements in Church Street near to the Vergers Cottages. Some signage and street furniture will be removed to tidy up the area and make it more accessible, and the street lighting will be improved with heritage style lighting being used throughout.

An area will also be provided outside of St James Church to accommodate wedding and funeral cars.

The widening of footpaths on Church Street means that some changes to the existing parking arrangements are needed. This will see the existing parking bay moved further into Church Street, with some changes to disabled parking including extending the time allowed for parking in the disabled bay from 2 hours to 3 hours.

These changes were subject to legal consultation held during August and September 2022 as part of the Traffic Regulation Order process. A report outlining the comments received and decision to proceed with the regulatory changes and public realm improvement can be found on our website (opens new window).

Cllr Dr Mark McClelland, Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste, Street Scene and Flooding, said: "This is the first of five schemes being funded from the £16 million investment in Trowbridge town centre via the government's Future High Streets Fund to improve walking and cycling access in and around the town centre.

"We appreciate there will be some disruption, but every effort will be made to keep this to a minimum wherever possible including working closely with the town council, local traders and the church to ensure disruption in the lead up to the festive period is minimised. All local amenities in this area will remain open and accessible during the construction period.

"A key priority in our Business Plan is to create vibrant and well-connected communities so we are aiming for the remaining four schemes to come forward in phases next year. These include Wicker Hill and Hill Street junction, including part of Fore Street, the Manvers Street and Church Street junction, Castle Street and Roundstone Street."

Further information regarding the phasing of the works will be made available on Wiltshire Council's website shortly.