Somerset Council is pleased to confirm that it has successfully completed its purchase of the Glovers Walk site from Martin Property Group, marking the start of the final phase of Yeovil’s major programme of regeneration, the Yeovil Refresh.

Thanks to £4.8m of Future High Streets Funding (FHSF) allocated by The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), this final phase will see the Glover’s Walk premises demolished and redeveloped to form a temporary ‘meanwhile’ use. This is to ensure that the site is utilised for positive, value-adding purposes which will contribute to the evolution of the town centre, while long term development options for the site are explored.

The site will then be redeveloped in accordance with master planning work, which started in March funded by Homes England.

Cllr Mike Rigby, Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning & Assets commented:

“We are very pleased to finally be the new owners of Glovers Walk and look forward to working with our neighbours ahead of works commencing on the delivery of an attractive, flexible, income generating space for Yeovil and its town centre.

Somerset Council is determined to drive the re-imagining of our town centres. High streets across the country have been affected by the new ways in which customers buy goods and services. The regeneration of this part of Yeovil will build on the Refresh works that have been delivered over the last few years, in building a more attractive town centre.”

Gary Martin, Director at Martin Property Group said:

“We are delighted to have completed the sale of this strategic and important site in Yeovil, having worked closely with Somerset Council over the past 12 months to make this happen. As new owners, the Council is best positioned to maximise the potential of the site and its impact within Yeovil in the years ahead.”

Demolition contractor agreements are currently being finalised and further details will be announced shortly.

For more information, please contact the Press Office on 01823 355020 or email pressoffice@somerset.gov.uk.