Site proposal

The River Biss is fundamental to the overall vision for Trowbridge and an underused asset in the town which, if properly incorporated into the design of new developments, could significantly increase the impact and value.

Moreover, the river corridor could function as a pedestrian route linking sites within the town centre (Waterside, Brewery Gate and Old Town) as well as providing links to greenspace and new residential sites outside of the town (Biss Meadows and East of Trowbridge).

The river’s regeneration is fundamental to the overall vision for Trowbridge. As a general principle, it should be integrated into the fabric of adjacent developments and associated public spaces.

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To take this forward, West Wiltshire District Council is working with the South West Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) to develop a public realm design for the length of the River Biss between Biss Meadows and Bradford Road.

The Implementation Plan for this project is now available on the Literature page of this website.

Further information

Work on this project commenced in October 2007 with the appointment of consultants Halcrow and will go on until May 2008, after which the Council will be applying for a Civic Pride grant to take the project forward.

It is hoped that many of the improvements to the river proposed by Halcrow will be achieved through developments such as that agreed for Waterside. This will see the creation of a new footbridge over the Biss linking the Library to the leisure facilities as well as new riverside paths, lighting and landscaping.

Other developments will also take on the theme of making the river an attractive feature for shops, restaraunts and bars to front onto rather than turn their backs on, which is currently the situation.

The exciting potential future of the River Biss waterfront has been on display at a series of exhibitions. West Wiltshire District Council and consultancy firm Halcrow held the events at The Shires and the Civic Hall as part of a consultation on the proposals. Click here to find out more.

Consultation

Following the public consultation in March 2008, West Wiltshire District Council is undertaking an 8 week consultation on the detail of the emerging Supplementary Planning Document for the design of new and existing public realm around the river. This document will be used by the Council to guide development around the river and will cover how new public realm created by riverside developments should be designed.

The consultation draft of the River Biss Public Realm Design Guide can be downloaded here (large PDF file, 12,191kb, opens in new window)

Have your say!

This is your chance to shape the proposals for the River Biss in Trowbridge. Please complete a feedback form to tell us what you think. You can make comments by:

• Writing to Adam Nardell at:- West Wiltshire District Council, Bradley Road, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 0RD

Emailing Adam Nardell at anardell@westwiltshire.gov.uk

Please ensure that all comments reach us by 31 August 2008.