Trowbridge, Wiltshire
Project Overview
Trowbridge Town Council required street furniture for the central town square that would bring greenery and comfortable seating into the heart of the town. The brief called for a solution that made efficient use of limited pedestrian space whilst softening the hardscaping typical of busy town centres and creating natural gathering points for the local community.
The Solution
Circular planter benches were installed throughout the central town square, combining FSC-certified timber slat seating with integrated corten steel planters in a single, space-efficient design. The circular format creates welcoming focal points that draw people in naturally, whilst the central planting introduces seasonal colour and green infrastructure directly where people sit and socialise.
The dual-purpose design makes the most of every square metre in a high-footfall pedestrian environment. Rather than separating seating and planting into competing elements, each unit delivers both within a compact footprint — maximising functionality without compromising on comfort or aesthetic.
Key Features
The circular configuration works particularly well in the town square setting, creating defined gathering points that encourage people to pause and spend time in the space. The central corten steel planters develop a distinctive warm patina over time, complementing the natural timber seating and adding character that improves with age. Seasonal planting within the planters ensures the installations remain visually interesting throughout the year.
FSC-certified timber slat construction brings warmth and approachability to what might otherwise be hard urban surfaces. The weather-resistant materials are well suited to the demands of high-use public spaces, ensuring longevity with minimal maintenance requirements. The natural aesthetic of the timber works in harmony with the corten steel and central planting, contributing to a cohesive and inviting streetscape.
Outcomes
The planter benches have created genuine community assets in the heart of Trowbridge, providing comfortable seating and urban greening within a single integrated design. The installations contribute to the town’s green infrastructure, introducing pockets of planting directly into the square where their benefits — cooling, biodiversity support, and improved wellbeing — are felt most by those passing through and spending time in the space.
The project demonstrates how street furniture can do more than serve a functional purpose. By combining FSC-certified seating with corten steel planters, each unit actively contributes to a greener, more welcoming town centre whilst the responsible timber sourcing reflects a commitment to sustainable procurement in the public realm.
Project Details
Location: Central Town Square, Trowbridge, Wiltshire
Client: Trowbridge Town Council
Products: Circular planter benches
Materials: FSC-certified circular timber benches with corten steel planters
Purpose: Town centre seating and urban greening in a high-footfall pedestrian environment
