My first visit to Trowbridge in February 2025 was marked by an ominous start-a bomb squad had just departed the train station following a scare, hardly the best introduction to Wiltshire’s county town.
That initial encounter left a lasting impression, tempered by numerous conversations with locals. Almost everyone I spoke to expressed concerns about the town’s condition. Issues such as homelessness, poverty, and struggling businesses dominated residents' worries. Young people spoke openly about their desire to leave once they had saved enough, while older inhabitants wistfully recalled Trowbridge’s better days before the sense of faded glory set in.
One peculiar focus of criticism was a set of modern-looking public benches that seemed to attract widespread dislike for reasons not immediately clear.
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There were, however, small pockets of optimism. Two individuals, both with professional ties to the town, spoke favourably of Trowbridge. My partner, for example, champions the town for its abundance of charity shops, viewing it as a treasure trove for bargain hunters.
Although charity shops are a common sight in most towns, this did little to brighten the overall picture. Our stories at that time painted a grim portrait, particularly spotlighting the Castle Place shopping centre as a “ghost town”-its broken escalator and numerous boarded-up shop fronts symbolising decline.
Life in Trowbridge was described by one local man as “dire,” and even the now-notorious benches sparked their own piece of local debate.
Fast forward to Wednesday, 2 September 2026, and I returned to see how things have evolved 18 months on.
The difference was immediately noticeable. Trowbridge’s town centre had a distinctly more vibrant feel. Independent cafés and restaurants now dotted the streets, a stark contrast to my previous visit, when even a local church leader had apologetically suggested Subway as the best option.
A standout discovery was Roast and Toast Coffeehouse and Deli, boasting a 4.8-star rating from 132 reviews. The menu featured homemade frittatas and a rotating selection of deli salads-an unexpected delight.
Opposite, the grand Victorian town hall, previously closed, was now open and buzzing with activity. It housed a café and bar, a lecture hall for events, and even an art gallery. Notably, Fatboy Slim is scheduled to perform there in November, marking Trowbridge as a destination worthy of major acts, surpassing even the nearby city of Bath in this regard.
Castle Place itself had undergone a remarkable transformation. Where it was once silent, empty and forlorn, I now found a lively karaoke bar, a pool table, festive bunting, and numerous open shops and cafés. It was almost unrecognisable.
Much of this revival can be credited to community efforts led by Alison Urch, chairwoman of Starry Eyes CIC, who has been instrumental in breathing new life into Castle Place.
Starry Eyes opened a charity shop in the centre in 2025, embracing old-fashioned values with affordable prices-dresses at £1.50, blouses at £2, and a wide range of baby clothes, toys, and books to support local families.
When the landlord sought to fill empty shop fronts earlier this year, Alison invited other charities like Ruksak to join, creating a welcoming space offering essentials to Wiltshire families in need.
Castle Place has evolved into a true community hub, hosting free singing lessons every Sunday, open karaoke sessions, film screenings, and concerts supporting the town’s Ukrainian community.
Alison proudly described it as a place “where everyone is welcome.”
Alongside these community projects, a partnership between Wiltshire Police and the charity Connect has seen a reduction in anti-social behaviour. Their outreach programmes provide vulnerable individuals with support for substance abuse and assistance in securing stable accommodation.
My visit to Trowbridge revealed a town gradually reclaiming its spirit. While challenges remain, the collective efforts of its people demonstrate how strong communities can help revive even the most beleaguered places. Cheesy as it sounds, sometimes the key to bouncing back is simply helping one another.