Yeovil transformation project moves forward
There's been an update on the Yeovil Refresh scheme
Last updated 5th Jan 2023
Plans were agreed today to keep moving the ongoing Yeovil Refresh project forward.
Work started last September on the scheme which aims to revitalise the town centre 'focussing on existing derelict and vacant buildings that are prevented from coming forward because of abnormal development costs'.
Across the town six areas are being transformed in phases to minimise disruption - and you can see a full list of the latest proposed changes here
Challenges to date have included rising inflation, labour and material shortages and a contractor falling into administration.
Today's vote was to divert an extra almost one million pounds to the scheme and changes to the plans for Middle Street and High Street to reduce costs - and avoid having to dig up and relay some of the utility connections already there - with the proposed ‘tree pits’ changed to 'raised planting areas'.
The regeneration work started in September 2021 and today senior South Somerset Councillors voted to recommend the full council agrees to allocate £0.821m from the corporate contingency fund as well as changes to the Middle Street East section.
Councillors also voted to 'reallocate £1.2m from the Yeovil Refresh Transport workstream to the Yeovil Refresh Public Realm Workstream'.
The project aim to 'deliver a comprehensive package of public realm improvements to transform the visitor experience, increase pedestrian safety and provide a new multi-use square for events and activities. This investment will also access and stimulate investor confidence in adjacent empty units.'
A report, before councillors this morning, said: "These buildings are sited at key gateways within the High Street and their current dilapidated condition and boarded windows have a hugely detrimental effect on the High Street. Bringing forward much needed housing in the heart of Yeovil will also help to ensure the towns future sustainability.
"A large town centre population enabled by these investments will stimulate much needed footfall with associated multiplier effects, helping to generate greater levels of activity, regeneration and accelerated economic growth. "
Today's report and latest update on the scheme can be found here
You can see more about the Yeovil Refresh here