Yeovil Refresh: big screen approved for town centre
Councillors have unanimously approved the structure within a new amphitheatre, which is being built as part of a big regeneration programme
Last updated 3rd Dec 2023
Yeovil residents will be able to enjoy big sporting and cultural events on the big screen in their town centre following a decision by councillors.
Somerset Council is currently constructing a new amphitheatre at the Triangle in Yeovil town centre, as part of its long-running Yeovil Refresh regeneration programme.
The amphitheatre will include outdoor seating, a water feature and space for public events and performances, encouraging locals and visitors to spend more time in the town centre.
Councillors have now unanimously approved the installation of a giant LED screen within the amphitheatre, which will be used to broadcast major sporting fixtures, royal celebrations and other noteworthy events.
The screen will be mounted on a steel pole structure around three metres above ground level, against 74 Middle Street, which is currently occupied by Poundland.
The screen will be just over five metres wide by three metres high, allowing content to be broadcast in a widescreen format, with speakers on either side.
When the screen is not being used for public broadcast, it will be used for static advertising, generating an additional income stream for the council.
The adverts will play without sound on a loop of at least ten seconds per advert, with the screen being in used daily between 7am and 10pm (though broadcasts can run later under the proposed licence for the screen).
Yeovil Refresh project manager Ian Timms addressed members of the council’s planning committee south (which handles major applications in the former South Somerset area) when it convened in Yeovil on Tuesday afternoon (November 28).
He said: “This is a key element of the public square which is currently being constructed.
“There will be an application for a premises licence running parallel with this consent. That’s something we’ve started work on with the police, and which will run in tandem with the screen’s operating plan.
“We would intend to install this screen in the spring.”
Councillor Henry Hobhouse (who represents Castle Cary and the neighbouring villages) questioned whether the unitary authority should have any direct say in running the screen, including drumming up business from advertisers.
He said: “I don’t understand why this council is involved in the running of this screen. It should be Yeovil Town Council – this is the Yeovil Refresh.”
Councillor Sue Osborne (Ilminster) responded: “In terms of who runs it, there are opportunities at the moment for devolution of assets, and it will be up to Yeovil Town Council to decide whether they want to take this on.”
The unitary authority is currently consulting with town and parish councils over the local provision of certain services in light of the financial emergency which was declared in early-November.
The funding for the Yeovil Refresh is ring-fenced, meaning the work to deliver the various elements of the programme will continue even if front-line services are cut back when the council sets its annual budget in February 2024.
Councillor Jason Baker (who oversaw the recent Chard regeneration scheme) said the screen’s operation should be examined in light of the existing public space protection orders in Yeovil town centre, which are designed to clamp down on begging, public drunkenness and antisocial behaviour.
He added: “I think this is something that’s going to be positive for the town centre, to bring people and businesses in.”
The committee voted unanimously to approve the plans after less than an hour’s debate.