4 days ago
Plans filed to transform town's old school into homes
An old school in Trowbridge could be transformed into seven homes after a planning application was filed with the council.
On Monday, August 4, local firm Stone Developments filed plans to convert Trinity Education Centre, on Park Street, into five two-bed homes, and two three-bed homes.
The application states that the process of conversion would mean the need for partial demolition of the building, and would create associated amenity space as well as bin and cycle storage for each property.
According to a statement attached to the plans, the centre is currently vacant, and lies in the Trowbridge Conservation Area, with the scheme proposed offering 'a long-term future of a characterful historic building through sensitive reuse, contributing positively to local housing supply and neighbourhood character.'
Under the proposals, all of the proposed dwellings with be within the existing footprint and roofline of the former school.
'Unsympathetic' later single-storey additions will be removed as part of what developers say will 'improve spatial quality and layout.'
As stated in the plans, the design prioritises the 'retention and enhancement of the building's original appearance'. This means existing material will be used wherever possible, including reclaimed stone, with conservation rooflights 'discreetly inserted' to offer better lighting to upper floors.
The intention of such a design approach is to make sure 'the scheme preserves the distinctive appearance of the former school and reinforces the character' of the area.
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Stone Development is one of the region's best-known firms, having played a key role in sensitively developing other historic sites in Trowbridge.
As reported in this paper last July, the company completed redevelopment of the old Knees building on the corner of Fore Street and Castle Street.
In 2023, Kerry and Craig Stone from Stone Developments Wiltshire submitted plans to transform the unused upper floors of the former department store into nine apartments, with three commercial retail shops, including Costa Coffee, on the ground floor.
At the time, the listing described the restored site as an "impressive and attractive 1889 Bath Stone building which also offers enviable rooftop views across Trowbridge all within walking distance of the majority of amenities, bus routes and the railway station".
Earlier this year, this paper reported that the Tabernacle development – a project that has transformed the United Reform Church on Church Street into 29 character properties – had been recognised for its contribution to town.
Anne and Vincent Oddie, and Colin Boyce, all of Ingenic Developments, were given the Trowbridge Enhancement Award at the Trowbridge Civic Dinner on the evening of Saturday, March 22.
