My first visit to Trowbridge was on a dreary, drizzly day in February 2025-a day clouded not only by rain but also by tension, as the bomb squad had just left the train station following a scare. This unpromising welcome reflected the general sentiment I encountered throughout that visit.
I spoke to dozens of residents, nearly all of whom expressed dissatisfaction with the state of the town. Though Trowbridge sits just beyond the Wiltshire border, its proximity to Somerset towns such as Bath and Frome leaves it overshadowed in many ways. Issues including homelessness, poverty, and struggling local businesses dominated conversations. Young people voiced a strong desire to leave as soon as they could afford to, while older generations reminisced about the town’s better days before it became overtaken by a sense of faded glory.
Interestingly, a peculiar source of public animosity emerged: some oddly designed public benches that drew widespread criticism. Despite this, a few voices remained positive; notably, professionals representing the town and my partner, who appreciates Trowbridge as a haven for charity shop enthusiasts hunting for bargains. Yet, praising a town primarily for its charity shops may well be a backhanded compliment, as such shops are commonplace in towns of similar size.
READ MORE: Yeovil Town urged to ‘learn and improve’ after surrendering two-goal lead at Southend
Our initial reporting included a feature on the so-called ‘ghost town’ of Castle Place shopping centre, highlighting its broken escalator and numerous boarded-up storefronts. We also covered the daily life of Trowbridge residents, including a candid interview in which a local man described his hometown as “dire.” The controversy surrounding the public benches produced yet another dedicated article.
Returning to Trowbridge on Wednesday, 2 September 2025, I approached the town with cautious optimism. Almost immediately, it was clear the town centre had improved since my last visit. Independent cafes and restaurants had begun to emerge, a notable change from before when a local church leader had apologetically admitted that Subway was my best dining option.
Among the new establishments was the Roast and Toast Coffeehouse and Deli, boasting an impressive 4.8-star rating from 132 reviewers. Its offerings-homemade frittatas, an ever-changing selection of deli salads, and famously “posh eggs”-provided a fresh culinary appeal.
Across from this lively coffeehouse stood the grand Victorian town hall, which had been closed during my previous visit but was now open and thriving. It houses a bustling café and bar, event lecture halls, and an art gallery. Impressively, Fatboy Slim is scheduled to perform there in November, opting for Trowbridge over more well-known venues like Bath, a sign of the town’s growing cultural cachet.
Equally surprising was the transformation of Castle Place. Previously, a near-empty shopping centre where silence reigned, it now buzzed with activity. A karaoke bar, pool tables, colourful bunting, and thriving shops and cafés have breathed fresh life into the space. Why, it felt like a completely different place.
Much of this revitalisation can be attributed to strong community effort. Alison Urch, 55, who chairs Starry Eyes CIC, has played a pivotal role in reshaping Castle Place. Starry Eyes moved into the desolate shopping centre in 2025 with the aim of running a charity shop that embodied “old-fashioned values.” Their stock is modestly priced, with dresses at £1.50 and blouses at £2, catering to families seeking affordable options.
In January of this year, Alison’s landlord enlisted her help to fill the empty shop fronts. She welcomed local charities like Ruksak, which supports families in urgent need. Over time, Castle Place has become a genuine community hub-offering free singing lessons, a freely accessible karaoke machine, film screenings, and concerts, including events supporting the town’s Ukrainian community.
Alison proudly remarks, “We’ve built a community hub.”
Collaboration between Wiltshire Police and the charity Connect has also contributed to a reduction in anti-social behaviour. Targeted patrols have linked vulnerable individuals with assistance for substance misuse and helped some secure stable housing.
Reflecting on Trowbridge’s journey, the message is both clear and encouraging: even when faced with adversity, a community’s resilience and willingness to support one another can instigate meaningful change. It may sound cliché, but Trowbridge’s revival is a testament to the power of collective compassion and perseverance.