Future growth of the economy
While there will be some trade diversion from surrounding towns, the growth in employment (estimated at 2,000 jobs), retail turnover (estimated at £79m p/a) and choice in Trowbridge, as well as the physical and quality of life improvements, will exceed the potential losses to other areas.
- Housing provision for Trowbridge will grow at a rate of 250 new dwellings per year for the next 20 years (according to the emerging Regional Spatial Strategy)
- By 2026, Trowbridge is forecast to have a jobs total of 73,200 (the Regional Assembly’s Draft Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West 2006-2026)
- In September 2005, West Wiltshire had the highest employment rate in Wiltshire with only 3.3% not in employment (Wiltshire and Swindon Economic Partnership Quarterly Review)
- A 2004 report highlighted that Wiltshire had five per cent more companies than in 2003, making it the best performing area in the country outside of London (Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire)