First look at new shop taking over vacant Trowbridge eyesore

Last week, Majestic Wine Warehouse confirmed it is planning to open a branch at Trowbridge’s the Town Bridge Garage, at the bottom of Wicker Hill.

The company said it had identified Trowbridge as one of 70 locations that present an opportunity to expand. It added that the town is a “perfect fit” for the firm’s plans, and that they are “excited” by the prospect of opening the branch.

Now, the company has submitted an planning application for new signage on the building, revealing how the outside of the branch will look, pending Wiltshire Council’s decision on the matter.

The company has described them signage as a “minor intervention that will not adversely affect the significance of the building, the conservation area, or the setting of nearby listed buildings.

As reported last year in this paper, the town bridge had been vacant for 15 years before it was put on the letting market.

There is currently an active consultation for a premises licence for Majestic Wine at the site, with the application stating the firm wants to start its licence on April 23.

A visual of the proposed look. (Image: Wiltshire Council)

In a statement shared with this paper regarding the store’s opening, a spokesperson for Majestic said: “Majestic is committed to growing our store footprint and has pinpointed more than 70 locations across the UK where we see an opportunity to expand. We have identified Trowbridge as one of those towns. 

“We are delighted to have found a site that we believe would be a perfect fit for Majestic and are hopeful of securing the required licensing permissions in the near future.

“We are excited about the prospect of bringing our market-leading proposition to Trowbridge, and helping new customers enjoy the Majestic experience with our qualified experts and award-winning wine ranges.”

The arrival of the new retailer has sparked excitement in the business community, with Trowbridge Chamber of Commerce saying it is “delighted” by the prospect of the opening.

Carey Tesler, chair of chamber of commerce, said: “The former Old Town Garage has been empty for many years and occupies a prime position on the Town Bridge in Wicker Hill.

“We have watched the site being renovated to a high standard, and Trowbridge Chamber is delighted to welcome another well-respected national chain into the County Town.”