Improvement works starting in Trowbridge town centre next week

Improvement works at Manvers Street, Fore Street and Wicker Hill in the town centre are due to start on Monday 15 January 2024 for approximately 12 months as part of the government's £16 million investment in Trowbridge via the Future High Streets Fund.

The works will be split across distinct phases, with the first phase starting on Monday 15 January 2024 and expected to last for approximately four months. This initial phase covers the area from Hill Street into Fore Street on the North side and a section of Fore Street on the South side.

The improvement to the footpath adjacent to Manvers House will start approximately two months after this phase of works has started, around mid-March.

The road will not be closed during this four-month period. The works areas will be separated from the public with safety barriers and fencing. Pedestrian and vehicle access will be maintained, and through traffic movement will still be possible. On-street parking on Fore Street and Wicker Hill between Manvers Street and Hill Street will be suspended, but the road will remain open to traffic and all businesses and homes will be accessible.

The works will be undertaken during the day (7am to 7pm), six days a week (Monday to Saturday). Road resurfacing will be undertaken overnight at three points during the scheme. More information on this and the remaining phases of works will be issued prior to any traffic management changes being made.

During the works period, access to residential and business properties may be temporarily restricted due to site operations. The contractor will endeavour to minimise this wherever possible, although due to the nature of the works some disruption is likely to be unavoidable. Prior contact will be made with businesses ahead of any works taking place across their vehicle accesses to minimise disruption. Pedestrian access will be maintained, and dedicated Traffic Management operatives will give motorists and pedestrians assistance so please liaise with these operatives about any access concerns you may have.

Cllr Caroline Thomas, Wiltshire Council's Cabinet Member for Transport, said: "One of our key priorities is to have vibrant, well-connected communities. Manvers Street is a popular route into the town centre for pedestrians from the Sainsbury's store and residential areas. The aim is to further improve this route by opening up the area in front of Manvers House widening the footpath, providing new bus shelters and soft landscaping as well as installing heritage columns to enhance the street lighting.

"The aim for Fore Street and Wicker Hill area is to provide improved space for pedestrians and better linkage between the town centre and railway station. As we have seen with the previous schemes in Castle Street and Union Street/Church Street, the end results provide a significant difference.

"We recognise that road improvements of this scale do cause some disruption and we apologise for any inconvenience in advance. Our contractor will remain in close contact with businesses that are affected by the phases of works to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum. I would like to reassure everyone that businesses in the area are open as usual."

Find out more about the schemes on our Future High Streets Fund webpage.