Andrew chaired a meeting of the Trowbridge Place Partnership on Friday in County Hall to discuss the efforts to improve and develop Trowbridge. Its high street in particular has faced many challenges recently from changing shopping habits and COVID-19.
Andrew was told about one of the most successful schemes to revitalise the high street currently in effect: the Vacant Commercial Units Fund. £1,932,500 from central government's Future High Streets Fund has been allocated to the Vacant Commercial Units Fund by Wiltshire Council. Designed to fund new business ventures that can fill the empty premises around Trowbridge, it also supports refurbishments to encourage more independent businesses and startups and the conversion of upper floors of vacant commercial properties to create more residential space.
The Fund has received over 85 enquiries and 41 formal applications for grants, of which 25 were approved. It has now distributed 78% of its funds and made agreements to allocate the rest. 17 projects have now been completed, 4 are ongoing with 3 due to finish by early June, 3 are at contract stage and due to begin imminently, and only 1 is held up by legal issues.
Andrew said:
"Empty and boarded up shops blight our high streets, putting off shoppers and traders alike. The Vacant Commercial Units Fund recognises that a modest injection of cash carefully targeted can give them the lift they need."