Roadworks lasting 12 months are set to begin in Trowbridge town centre early in the new year.

A £16 million project will see improvements made in Manvers Street, Fore Street and Wicker Hill, with the first phase starting on Monday, January 15, 2024.

Wiltshire Council expects the work to be carried out over approximately 12 months.

The first phase is estimated to take four months, during which on-street parking will be suspended.

The work will involve opening up the area in front of Manvers House for new bus shelters and widening the footpath to improve the route for pedestrians.

According to the council, the aim for Fore Street and the Wicker Hill area is to provide a better space for pedestrians and better linkage between the town centre and railway station.

This will involve widening the footpaths, allowing for new open space areas on Wicker Hill with additional tree planting and seating.

The money to pay for it is coming from the government's Future High Streets Fund.

Businesses in the area have reacted to the news.

Georgina Carter-Pickard, the manager of the Mercy in Action shop in Trowbridge, said: “Most of our stock is part of the donation process so if we have very limited or hardly any access to our shop that is going to hugely affect this next year.

Wiltshire Times: Road signs on Wicker Hill warning of the delays in TrowbridgeRoad signs on Wicker Hill warning of the delays in Trowbridge (Image: Trevor Porter)

“In the long term, we are aware that it is good for Trowbridge, we just hope that it wont affect us too much with the donation side of it.”

The team at The Hive, a hair salon on Wicker Hill, is feeling positive about the changes.

They said: “We think the way they are going to phase the transformation looks really well thought out.

“We’ll see, but we think long term it will be great for us and all the businesses here in terms of footfall.”

Councillor Caroline Thomas, cabinet member for transport, said: “We wanted to give advance notice of this scheme because of the length of the construction period and we apologise in advance for any disruption caused.


“One of our business plan priorities is to create vibrant and well-connected communities and the Manvers Street, Fore Street and Wicker Hill improvements are the latest in a series of schemes to improve walking and cycling routes into the town centre.

“Local people are already benefiting from the improvements made at the junction of Church Street and Union Street, and more recently at Castle Street.

"In the meantime, we will keep everyone updated on the phased works next year at Manvers Street, Fore Street and Wicker Hill and would remind people that businesses will be open as usual, and that access will be maintained for residents and shoppers throughout the construction period."