Wiltshire Council has installed new bench-planters as the next phase of public realm enhancements that saw the controversial ‘cheese grater’ benches installed earlier this year.
Ten of the planters have been installed across Trowbridge, with funding for the benches coming from the £16 million Future High Street Funds.
Wiltshire Council said that in the coming weeks, Trowbridge Town Council will be planting cherry trees in the planters, accompanied by various perennials at the base.
The aim is to provide seasonal interest and attract pollinators throughout the year providing them with a continuous food source and habitat.
The planters are designed to accommodate trees, which will provide a canopy for shade as they grow.
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Local floral and planting designer, Kitty Brown, who has worked on the planting for Castle Street, Manvers Street and Wicker Hill, will again add her distinctive skills with the plant choices.
Planting a variety of perennials that bloom at different times throughout the year can effectively attract pollinators.
Parvis Khansari, corporate director Place, said: “These bench planters complement the benches and bins already installed throughout the town centre.
“Being crafted from Corten steel, will develop a distinctive patina over time adding to the character of the town centre.
“Wooden seating will be provided around the planters, with some featuring seating halfway around and others offering seating all the way around.
“New wayfinding finger posts and totems will be installed shortly. Additionally, four new bins will be placed alongside some of the bench planters in Fore Street, replacing existing bins which will be slightly relocated.”
The Future High Streets Fund projects focus on improving connections into the town centre; bringing vacant commercial units in the town centre back into use; refurbishing the Town Hall; enhancing the River Biss; and accelerating the development of key sites in the town centre.
Parvis Khansari added: “These projects are designed to attract visitors and businesses to the heart of the town, providing an economic boost to the local economy and protecting local jobs.”
The rollout of street furniture in the town centre has come under fire from residents, specifically for the shape of the backless metal benches, which were likened to 'cheese grater' and overturned bins.
In the latest development, seats looking very much like some of the other, more conventionally-shaped metal furniture has recently been spotted in a European capital.
Pictures taken from Google Street view also appear to suggest they have long been part of the fabric of Brussels’s street furniture scene.
A Google Street view shot from May 2019 shows the benches installed on the Rue du Midi, occupied by several pedestrians.
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