DIRECTOR of Trowbridge Town Hall will step down from his role next year.

David Lockwood will stand down from his role as director in February 2022 to take up the opportunity to lead the Arts Development Company in Dorset.

Since joining the town hall trust in 2019, there has been a steep rise in visitors and community use, especially for the weekly cinema and live music.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Director of Trowbridge Town Hall David Lockwood Photo Trevor Porter Director of Trowbridge Town Hall David Lockwood Photo Trevor Porter

There was also an established artistic programme with co-creation between communities and professional artists at its heart.

David is also responsible for bringing national funding to Trowbridge, including large grants from the National Lottery Community Fund, Coop Foundation and Arts Council England.

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He was instrumental in securing £8.1m for the town hall through the Future High Streets Fund.

David said “I’m immeasurably proud of, and grateful for, my time with Trowbridge Town Hall. The opportunity to contribute to the development of the Trust – welcoming more people into the building, supporting cultural and community activity to flourish and working collaboratively to secure the long-term future of the building – has been a huge privilege.

“I’ve benefitted massively from the hard work of our small and remarkable team, the commitment and support of talented trustees and, most of all, the enthusiasm and passion of our volunteers and the community groups who make the building what it is.

“I shall miss them hugely and will be cheering on the Town Hall’s undoubted future success.”

Chair of trustees, Rosemary Macdonald said “David joined the organisation at a time of change.

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“Over the last three years, he’s led the organisation with energy and determination, resulting in the Town Hall’s future being secured and ensuring that the next phase of our development can proceed with real energy and optimism.

“On behalf of the board of trustees, I would like to thank him for his commitment, dynamism and his vision of making the town hall as a civic hub for the 21st century.

“We will miss him and wish him every success in the future.”

The recruitment process for David’s successor is being finalised, and the organisation is looking for someone to continue his work on taking the town hall to even greater heights.

Details will be released soon about the group search for David’s successor.