• Swindon & Wiltshire Economy
• Monday March 4 2024
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Scheme to fill empty business premises in Trowbridge hits £1 million milestone

Over £1 million in funding has now been paid out to businesses in Trowbridge from Wiltshire Council’s Vacant Commercial Units Fund to bring empty premises in the town back to life.

The government-backed grant scheme was created to transform vacant units and improve Trowbridge town centre.

Business owners, directors and landlords as well as commercial property owners were encouraged to submit applications designed to create a more diverse and sustainable mix of uses in the town.

Funding for the scheme comes from the Future High Streets Fund that was awarded to Trowbridge from central government.

Cllr Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: We were delighted to receive a brilliant response from business and property owners with wonderful ideas and plans to transform Trowbridge town centre.

We have paid out more than £1 million in funding so far, which is an amazing milestone to reach.

“Eight previously vacant units have already opened, with businesses such as Finneys Hair, JEM Body Solutions and SILT (Sustainable Image Labs Trowbridge) now operating successfully in Trowbridge.

“Twenty five applications have been successful and approved in total, with our teams now working hard to finalise all the contracts on the latest projects.

“With the final amount of funding now allocated, we look forward to welcoming even more positive changes in the town this summer.

“Our aim is to make Trowbridge town centre a more attractive place to visit, one which residents and visitors choose to visit to shop, relax and meet up with their friends and family.

“We hope that the support we’ve given to these businesses through the Vacant Commercial Units Fund will help provide a greater town centre experience for residents and visitors encouraging them to keep coming back, supporting business growth.