Comments welcomed on proposals to enhance the River Biss and improve public spaces in Trowbridge

These proposals were shared at a public drop-in event last week (16 November 2022) and an online presentation detailing the proposals is now available on Wiltshire Council's website to encourage further feedback from the local community.

Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: "One of our key priorities is to ensure our high streets and town centres remain vibrant and sustainable, so they can continue to support our local communities and the local economy in the future.

"We are pleased to be able to share with local people the latest proposals to reinvigorate Trowbridge town centre as part of the £16 million investment in the town centre from the government's Future High Streets Fund.

"We would encourage people to take a look at the presentation on our webpage Future High Streets Fund Trowbridge and then send us their comments by 5pm on Wednesday 30 November 2022. This feedback will help shape the final designs and ensure we deliver the right improvements for Trowbridge town centre."

Comments are welcomed on the proposed design options as well as any concerns people may have about any of the Future High Streets Fund schemes. Comments can be emailed to FHSF@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window), posted to FHSF Trowbridge Team, Wiltshire Council, County Hall, Bythesea Road, Trowbridge, BA14 8JN or written comments, marked for the attention of the FHSF Trowbridge team, can be handed in to Reception at County Hall.

Printed copies of the presentation are available for collection from Reception at County Hall. Alternatively email customerservices@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) or call 0300 456 0100 to request a copy by post.

Richard Clewer added: "We would also encourage local people to view and comment on the planning application to refurbish and remodel the Grade II listed Town Hall located in the heart of the town centre. Comments need to be submitted by Friday 9 December 2022. This scheme is also part of this package of investment and could see the Town Hall become a major creative and community hub for Trowbridge in the future."

This planning application can be found on Wiltshire Council website at  Search for an application: Planning & Building Control Public Register (opens new window). Enter planning application number PL/2022/08637.

Towns Fund - Future High Streets Fund

The Future High Streets Fund aims to renew and reshape town centres and high streets in a way that improves experience, drives growth and ensures future sustainability.

In total, 72 places will share up to £831 million from the Future High Streets Fund to help them recover from the pandemic by improving transport links, building new homes and transforming underused spaces.

Applications were invited for the Government fund, and Trowbridge was one of 100 towns shortlisted. In December 2020, Wiltshire Council was provisionally awarded £16,347,056 for Trowbridge. In May 2021 this funding was formally awarded.