TROWBRIDGE SITE TO GET LONG-AWAITED REVAMP
BUSINESS NEWS
THE CHANGING FACE OF WEST WILTS
TROWBRIDGE SITE TO GET LONG-AWAITED REVAMP
Keep Architecture Limited
Bold regeneration plans for the former Bowyer ’ s factory in Trowbridge have been given the goahead after Wiltshire Council granted planning permission in November .
Adjacent to Trowbridge railway station , the site has been derelict since 2008 when the meat products factory closed .
The plans that have been approved include 255 dwellings , a convenience store , and up to 872 sqm of new commercial floor space . The development will provide a new cultural quarter made up of micro-businesses , food , drink , art and independent retail .
Additionally , a new public amenity and ecology space will be created alongside the river which will be regenerated , complementing the work that is already being done as part of the investment via the Future High Streets Fund . There will also be new cycle and pedestrian links from the station to the town centre .
Cllr Nick Botterill , Wiltshire Council ' s Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning , said , “ Since it [ the factory ] closed in 2008 this site has been a terrible blot on the landscape which has blighted Trowbridge Town Centre .
“ We now have an exciting opportunity to provide new homes , renovate heritage buildings and provide a new cultural quarter which will help drive footfall and spend in the town centre . This is a huge commitment to the future of Trowbridge ."
Meanwhile Jonathan Dean from Innox Mills – the Londonbased developer that submitted the planning bid - described the decision as a “ massive step forward ” for the town .
Speaking to The Business Exchange he said , “ This is essentially a game changer for Trowbridge and an important element to help reviving the high street .
“ We have a plan to create a commercial hub – a whole new area for hospitality , leisure and coworking space as well , which has always been our plan since we first bought the site – but now we ’ re one step closer to bringing that forward .”
6 www . tbeswindonandwilts . co . uk
Jonathan added that the redevelopment will aim to recreate a mini version of Camden Town .
“ If we can achieve anything near to that , then it has been a success ,” he said .
Jodi Millard , Marketing and Operations Manager at The Elevate Hub in Trowbridge town centre believes that Innox Mills presents an opportunity for the town to flourish .
She said , “ Breathing new life into Trowbridge isn ' t just about revitalising buildings ; it ' s about creating opportunities for businesses to thrive and communities to flourish . We ’ re excited to see what Innox Mills has to offer , it would be great to see a good mix of businesses in there ; shops , studios , and community spaces , I think that would work well .
“ Breathing new life into Trowbridge isn ’ t just about revitalising buildings ; it ’ s about creating opportunities for businesses to thrive and communities to flourish .”
“ We ’ re already seeing a more positive outlook from our co-working community & tenants since opening at the end of 2023 , many have expressed their optimism about the town ' s potential for business growth . People are starting to view Trowbridge differently as a place with real opportunities for businesses .
“ The site is the first view many people will have of Trowbridge if arriving on the train or driving from Bradford on Avon , so many people may say anything would be an improvement , realistically a balanced mix of housing , leisure and employment space will be very important , the site is edged by the River Biss so there is definitely the possibility of creating a visually pleasing leisure area which could overlap with employment space .
Simon Tombs , Managing Partner at Monahans in Trowbridge added , “ The site is the first view many people will have of Trowbridge if arriving on the train or driving from Bradford on Avon , so many people may say anything would be an improvement , realistically a balanced mix of housing , leisure and employment space will be very important , the site is edged by the River Biss so there is definitely the possibility of creating a visually pleasing leisure area which could overlap with employment space .
“ Not having a large wasteland close to the town centre , will certainly be a step towards redefining the town , additional housing and population will always attract new businesses , but it important in any development to ensure any commercial space meets the needs of potential businesses looking for a new home and I would encourage any developer to liaise with the local business leads , for instance the Chamber of Commerce to ensure retail space meets demand .
“ It is important to balance employment space and building new homes , a sizeable new development should provide employment space , but it needs to be considered while balancing it against the employment space “ stock ” that already exists in an area , but there is certainly a need for employment space of a certain size and aspect , that could compliment a new scheme .
Aside from Innox Mills , additional regeneration activity in Trowbridge town centre currently underway includes work to improve buildings , roads , pavements and businesses .
New businesses are moving into empty premises , pavements and public spaces are being improved , developers and local businesses are converting buildings into apartments and retail units to create exciting new creative and commercial opportunities .
Much of this activity is as a result of the £ 16 million Future High Street Fund and Vibrant Wiltshire Towns Grants , combined with several years of dedicated work by the Trowbridge Chamber behind the scenes , connecting start-ups and existing businesses with landlords , councils , developers and organisations , supporting grant applications and encouraging inward investment .