The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has confirmed the reallocation and extension of £4.8m of Future High Streets Funding (FHSF) to deliver the final phase of major redevelopment as part of the Yeovil Refresh.
This final phase will see the development of affordable residential accommodation for young professionals, key workers and student apprentices, above commercial and retail premises at three key locations: 66 Middle Street, 96 Middle Street and Wyndham Street.
The acquisition of the Glover’s Walk premises comprises the fourth town centre site for redevelopment, which will initially be demolished to form a temporary ‘meanwhile’ use. The site will then be redeveloped in accordance with master planning work, which started in March funded by Homes England.
This master planning work along with a scoping study report will, subject to more Homes England funding, form the basis for wider consultation with businesses, the community and stakeholders for a mixed-use redevelopment for Yeovil town centre.
Cllr Ros Wyke, Lead Member Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning & Assets commented:
“As we see the majority of public realm works coming to completion, this latest news is positive and exciting in the delivery of an attractive, flexible, income generating mixed use development for Yeovil and its town centre.
Key to success will be consultation with the community and partners Love Yeovil and Yeovil Artspace, as providers of events, activities and entertainment moving forward.”
With MHCLG’s decision now confirmed, acquisition of the Glover’s Walk site is anticipated to complete within the coming months, with the appointment of a demolition contractor expected in August. Demolition of the site would commence in the autumn.
Cllr Wyke adds:
“To be absolutely clear, Yeovil Bus Station is not closing and will not be affected by plans for the Glover’s Walk site. We will be working closely with the Bus Station owners to ensure that the bus station remains fully operational throughout the period of works to the Glover’s Walk site and into the future.”
Once the Council has secured ownership of the premises it will be working with adjacent building owners and existing tenants to make appropriate arrangements, ahead of works commencing.
