Vision in sight with support from RDA

From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Friday 3rd Jan 2003.

CHAMBER NEWS: PLANS to create an overarching Vision for Trowbridge moved a step closer with the announcement that the South West Regional Development Agency (South West RDA) will provide funding for the visioning exercise.

The Vision is being led by West Wiltshire District Council alongside the South West RDA, Trowbridge Town Partnership, Trowbridge Town Council, Wiltshire County Council and the Chamber of Commerce.

It will outline how Trowbridge can become a better place to live and work by providing new jobs, better shopping, affordable housing and improved transport.

The Vision will look at possible uses for a number of areas of land in the town centre that are currently available for redevelopment, totalling more than 20 acres

Support has been given by several major landholders who have signed up to the Vision.

As the county town, Trowbridge is important for Wiltshire's economy and it needs to halt decline in the face of competition from other town centres and out of town retail outlets.

The South West RDA will provide up to £379,000 (or 50 per cent) towards the costs of the visioning exercise.

Philip Watkins, South West RDA head of operations, Wiltshire and Swindon, said: "This is a very exciting opportunity for Trowbridge.

"Several large areas of land have become available for redevelopment at the same time and the strong partnership of local authorities, the private sector and local business organisations together want to take advantage of this unique opportunity.

"The RDA brings financial resources and master planning expertise to the table. This enables the partnership, in consultation with the residents of Trowbridge, to comprehensively plan the redevelopment of the county town."

Councillor Bob Brice, Leader of West Wiltshire District Council, said: "I am obviously delighted that the RDA has supported us so generously. Their funding, together with the money already committed by the district council, will enable us to really move forward with the Vision work.

"We can now work with the RDA and our local partners to carry out the necessary feasibility studies and thorough consultations with local people and organisations."

Dr Keith Robinson, chief executive of Wiltshire County Council, added: "We welcome the RDA's contribution to the Vision for Trowbridge, not only because of the financial involvement, but also because it confirms the RDA's interest in improving the facilities which Trowbridge can offer to the local community.

"The County Council is committed to a continuing relationship with the RDA and local partners, for the benefit of Trowbridge and its community."

Michael Williams, chief executive of the Wessex Association of Chambers of Commerce, said: "We are delighted with this news ­ the backing of the RDA gives further credibility to the Vision and we look forward to seeing positive outcomes as a result of this."

The funding will be used for:

The production of a master plan

Securing development

Undertaking technical surveys

Undertaking public consultation work

Obtaining advice from property agents and specialist sustainable development advice

Production of supplementary planning guidance.

Marco Polledri, chairman of Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce's planning and economic development group, said: "The Chamber welcomes this news that the RDA is to invest a substantial amount of money in the future of Trowbridge.

"It is particularly pleasing at a time when there is a great deal of public concern about the future of our town, and this should go some way to demonstrating the commitment of both the RDA and local authorities in fully developing the potential of Trowbridge."

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