Wiltshire Council leader Richard Clewer says he’s “really pleased” with the keen interest shown from businesses hoping to breathe new life into Trowbridge town centre.

So far, the council has received 11 applications from people keen on taking one of the 70-plus vacant commercial premises available.

The council is trying to attract tenants to take on space by offering them vacant commercial unit grants of up to £100,000 from a £1.2 million fund.

The local authority is using some of the £16.3 million awarded to Trowbridge from the Government's Future High Streets Fund in May 2021.

The fund aims to support the improvement of Trowbridge town centre and help renew and reshape the high street in a way that improves the experience, drives growth and ensures future sustainability.

Wiltshire Council leader, Cllr Richard Clewer, said: “We are really pleased with the interest shown in our new Vacant Commercial Units Fund grant scheme which aims to bring vacant commercial units in Trowbridge town centre back into use.

“So far, we have received 11 applications. Of these, two applications have been successful and awarded provisional grants, two have been turned down due to being ineligible and the remaining applications are awaiting further information and full assessment.

“We also have a healthy pipeline of potential applications and are liaising with a number of commercial property owners, business owners, directors and landlords about their proposals before they submit their applications.

“We would encourage potential applicants to speak to us before they submit their application so we can help ensure strong deliverable proposals are submitted.

“We look forward to working with potential applicants to make their ideas become a reality and to transform Trowbridge town centre into a vibrant place to live, work and shop.”

The grants are available for businesses to rent and renovate empty commercial units or convert Trowbridge town centre properties.

One shopkeeper who is trying to encourage shoppers to the town centre is David Carradus, who runs the Giftbox shop in Silver Street.

He made a stand containing the logos of businesses in the street and stood it out on the pavement to encourage shoppers to visit the stores.

Mr Carradus said: “Anything we can do within budget to help promote the street and local businesses has got to be worthwhile.

“We have lost so many businesses, this street in particular felt unloved but slowly, hopefully, some new life is coming back.”

Cllr Clewer added: “Trowbridge high street has faced many challenges recently with changing shopping habits and COVID-19 and the Future High Streets investment will help transform Trowbridge town centre into a vibrant place to live, work and shop.

"With this new scheme, we hope to attract applications from commercial property owners and businesses that will bring empty commercial spaces back into use.

“We will also support bids to convert upper floors of commercial premises to residential use. The scheme should reduce the number of vacant properties in the town centre and create new jobs for local people.

“This grant programme aims to encourage the longer-term occupation of vacant retail premises, helping boost footfall, stimulate entrepreneurship, create new jobs and enhance the sustainability of businesses in Trowbridge town centre."

"Trowbridge currently has a below-average representation of restaurants, pubs and cafes which has an impact on customer experience.

“We would also like to see a more diverse range of businesses from independent retailers and personal services for health and care, alongside a better night-time experience."

For further information and available properties, please visit the Wiltshire Council Commercial Property Opportunities page. The closing date for applications is Friday, November 24 2023.