Beloved UK shopping centre warns of looming closure after 50 years in ‘frustrating’ blow to town centre

A HISTORIC shopping centre faces looming closure as the site is poised for redevelopment. Business owners have been left “frustrated” over the loss of the 52-year-old landmark. Castle Place is set for closure following a future redevelopment of the site Credit: Castle Place The shopping centre has been a landmark in the town for more than 50 years Credit: Adrian Sherratt Castle Place Shopping Centre, in Trowbridge, may close by the end of the year, as the site is set for redevelopment. Last week, Wiltshire Council surrendered St Stephen’s multi-storey car park – which adjoins Castle Place – to the centre’s owner, Tahir Ali. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! Now, the previously council-run car park, which housed 446 free spaces for customers, is set to be demolished alongside the closure of centre, according to reports by the Gazette & Herald. The historic shopping site was built in 1974, and is home to 17 retail units and 32 market stalls. In February 2024, the 1.75-acre complex was sold to property investor Ali for more than £500,000. At the time, he said he wanted to work together with Wiltshire Council to “bring about the most positive result for the site and the local community”. Since then, a spokesperson for Patet Limited, said: “From the outset, all occupiers have been fully aware that their arrangements were temporary and that the site could ultimately form part of a wider regeneration project. “While no definitive closure date has been set, Castle Place will remain open, at the very least, until the end of the year.” Most read in Money Business owners have expressed feelings of “frustration” over the looming closure, who have said the centre had “so much potential”. Others have described the situation as “sad”, with residents raising questions on where town centre visitors would park, following the sale of its largest car park. It remains unclear what will replace the site once the car park and shopping centre close down. A full statement from Patet Limited reads: “Following Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet decision on 15 July 2026, Patet Limited continues to support the short-term tenants occupying Castle Place Shopping Centre, emphasising that helping them navigate this period of transition remains a priority. “Since acquiring the shopping centre, we have sought to bring vacant units into productive use by offering flexible, affordable accommodation to independent businesses & start-ups, charities and community organisations. “As a result, Castle Place has become a temporary hub, providing a space to many where alternative town centre premises would not have been available or financially viable to them. “From the outset, all occupiers have been fully aware that their arrangements were temporary and that the site could ultimately form part of a wider regeneration project. “As plans progress, we look forward to continuing to work constructively with occupiers, providing support, open communication and as much notice as circumstances allow. “While no definitive closure date has been set, Castle Place will remain open, at the very least, until the end of the year.” Comment now