The next phase of planned public realm enhancement works to Yeovil Town Centre will commence on 10 July 2023 with a focus on practical and aesthetic improvements, as well as widescale underground utility works, to the popular shopping area of Middle Street.

Five key areas of change have been identified for enhancement in this area which once completed will result in:

• widened footways
• raised seating planters, street tree and ornamental planting
• flexible paving space
• creation of blue badge parking bays
• improved street lighting and new bench seating

and a more appealing, safer, enjoyable, fit for purpose environment for residents, visitors and businesses alike.

Starting at the Borough, sections of Middle Street will be closed and re-opened sequentially to traffic, as work to create improved shared spaces continues; the introduction of street trees and planting, drainage updates, widening of footways and formation of blue badge parking bays being key areas of enhancement. Work will be completed in a series of phases with the first two phases scheduled for completion by the end of November 2023.

Points of note:

• The top of Middle St will be closed to traffic, on the junction of Union Street/Wine Street and Peter Street; access will be maintained for emergency vehicles and hackney carriages accessing the Silver Street rank
• SWH, the project contractors will be liaising with businesses directly affected by the sequential closure of Middle Street, to ensure that deliveries, bin collections and individual business needs are managed over the period of this closure
• Physical access for pedestrians to businesses will be maintained in order that businesses will be accessible during their working hours
• Blue badge parking in Middle Street will not be accessible over the duration of works. As such, Blue badge holders should use nearby spaces in Peter Street or a range of other car parks, on street locations across the town centre or spaces provided in public car parks.  Blue badge parking and Shopmobility services are available in Quedam car park with lift access to the main shopping street and Ievel square
• Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the duration of the works.

Closure of Middle Street (West):

• By closing the road, we ensure that the works will be undertaken with greater efficiency, enabling the general public and workforce involved to operate in the safest possible environment
• In partnership with our local bus companies, it has been agreed that a full road closure ensures the avoidance of any doubt or confusion among the public, that large scale works are in progress, for a specified period of time
• By undertaking the work within a full road closure, the works can be completed efficiently, reducing programme durations which will minimise overall disruption and keep the project within budget
• Emergency vehicle access can and will be maintained at all times
• Time and financial implications: based on previous delays to works where 24/7 road closures were not possible, calculations show that there would be significant increase to cost and would take an additional four to five months to complete.

We appreciate the disruption that businesses, residents and visitors to Middle Street will experience over the duration of these works, and are working with our partners, SWH to ensure these are minimised, with alternative provisions in place wherever possible. To keep up to date with progress, visit SWH Newsletter | Yeovil Refresh.