A breakdown of how Trowbridge is spending its £16.3 million Future High Streets Fund grant, from transport to town hall upgrades.
Trowbridge was chosen in December 2021 as one of 72 towns picked. Swindon, another Wiltshire town, got £25 million.
The council shared how the £16.3 million is used. Transport improvements got £3,168,000, The River Project received £1,396,000, and public areas got £800,246.
The Town Hall received £8,949,810 and £2,033,000 was set aside for vacant shops. These figures are just budgets, the council said, mentioning that costs may change as projects continue, but that budgets will meet the project specifications.
The council will provide details on these costs. The Fund aims to transform town centers and addresses changes in how people shop.
The government wants towns to grow, improve experiences, and create sustainability. They co-fund projects that make big changes.
People are especially curious about how Trowbridge spent the grant, and new street furniture cost £55,510, causing lots of debate.
Some think the benches look like trash cans, while others like the benches’ convenience and color. Some like the town center’s new pavements.
One person questioned whether it would help much, but added that the town needs improvements. Roadwork is happening on The Halve in Trowbridge, which will reach Roundstone Street.
Inflation impacted the original plan. They secured other funds for the street work, using Active Travel funding and leftover money from another fund.