A multi-million pound project could transform the former Peter Black toiletries factory at Cradle Bridge, Trowbridge, into a retail and leisure development.

Property consultancy JLL has submitted a pre-application enquiry to Wiltshire Council on behalf of landowners MRMU and King Developments Ltd, proposing the redevelopment of the derelict site which has been vacant for years.

The plans are for a retail-led redevelopment scheme that will see the site rejuvenated and will complement the recent regeneration of the St Stephen's Place Leisure Park.

A major food retailer will occupy one of the four retail units that are proposed as part of the scheme with another to become a pub.

The development will provide approximately 2,641 sq m of new build retail development and will include around 150 parking spaces.

A footbridge to link with the new St Stephen's Place Leisure Park is being proposed over the River Biss.

Ben Ponting, senior planner at JLL in Bristol, said: “These exciting plans promise to transform a former factory that has been empty for many years into a lively hub of retail and leisure activity, bringing with it associated jobs and an economic boost to the area.

"It is very encouraging to see redevelopments such as this one taking place in the region and can be seen as an illustration of improving business confidence generally.”

The proposals can be viewed at a public exhibition to be held between 2-8pm on Thursday, October 30, at the Trowbridge Civic Centre when comments can be made before the proposals are submitted formally to Wiltshire Council.