CHANGE is in the air for traders in Old Town as some stores open and others close.

The historic shopping location, which has long been blighted by empty units, has seen significant moves this spring in Wood Street, Victoria Road and Devizes Road.

Wood Street looks set to receive the biggest boost as a bridal shop prepares to relocate this month to a three-storey unit which has been empty for more than two years.

Trousseaux, which has operated as a boutique in the street for more than two years, is to move across the road to the former premises of Mooki interior design.

Kim Trueman, owner of the business, said: “Our move will improve the outlook for Wood Street and the High Street.

“Perhaps other traders may now be inspired to start or move their business into the Old Town area.”

The new premises, which sells bridal gowns, bridesmaid, mother-of-bride and prom wear, will be officially opened by Swindon’s deputy mayor Ray Ballman on Tuesday, May 10 at 6pm.

Customers on the day will be able to tour the shop, meet the staff and buy merchandise.

Richard Deacon, chairman of the Old Town Business and Professional Association, welcomed Trousseaux’s move.

He said: “I think it’s fantastic news in the sense that the old Mooki premises has been empty for such a long time and it is also rather a key building.

“That’s the first one you see when you come up to the top of the hill.

“So I think it’s fantastic news that the building will be smartened up as part of the refurbishment which has got to be good for the street and Old Town.”

Kim is awaiting the outcome of a planning application for change of use of the ground floor at the old shop, to allow a prospective tenant to develop a therapy centre called Wood Street Wellbeing Centre.

The centre would bring together therapists to cater for all aspects of physical and emotional health and wellbeing.

It would also sell a range of related products and run regular talks, workshops and practitioner level courses.

Other changes will see hair and beauty salon Twisted open in the empty unit next to Total Flooring in Wood Street, while McFarlane Sales and Lettings hopes to move by the end of May from Devizes Road to the former Chernobyl charity shop.

The Bombay Lounge Indian restaurant in Peatmoor is also planning to open another branch in Devizes Road.

But not everything is rosy in Wood Street. Woods cafe appears to have closed, displaying a ‘to let’ sign above the door, while the Nationwide branch will close on May 27 at 2pm.

Other recent closures in Old Town include the Victoria Road branch of Hickmans electronics store and the Deja Vu store, in Devizes Road.

The Atrium Gallery in Victoria Road is to relocate today after nearly three years in the street to re-open at Unit 1 Kiln Lane in Cheney Manor Industrial Estate on Monday.

Company secretary Jenny Tunley, who runs the business with her son Daniel Tunley, said she thought it was a good move.

She said: “The high street is completely dead, and we do the canvas printing online and that has really taken over.

“We immediately save ourselves £12,000 a year on rates and rent by moving into the unit.”

Several units in Old Town have been vacant for months, including the former Top Drug drugs store in Wood Street and Manuel’s Mexican restaurant.

However, Biplob Tandoori restaurant in Wood Street has applied for change of use on the former Top Drug shop to allow it to move upstairs.