Yeovil town centre is set to welcome a fresh touch of greenery just in time for the football World Cup. Following the recent demolition of the Glovers Walk shopping centre, Somerset Council is preparing to open a temporary green space for residents and visitors alike.
The council utilized £2.7 million from the government’s Future High Streets Fund to acquire and clear the site near Yeovil bus station. Demolition began in April 2025 and was completed by the end of January. Now, landscaping efforts are underway, with the grassy public area expected to open by early June, right before the World Cup kicks off in North America.
This initiative aligns with the Yeovil town centre masterplan, formally adopted in February 2025, which outlines a broader vision for the area. The “meanwhile” green space will serve as a vibrant public amenity until long-term redevelopment proposals receive planning approval.
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Excitingly, the Glovers Walk site is earmarked for a six-storey mixed-use development. The ground floor will maintain commercial outlets, while the first two floors are planned for local services, including an NHS hub featuring essential health services like a doctors’ surgery, dentist, and pharmacy. These levels will also house a community hub, café, and co-working spaces designed to support flexible working arrangements.
The upper four floors will contain up to 108 flats or maisonettes targeted primarily at NHS key workers and young professionals, reflecting Yeovil’s commitment to supporting vital workers and fostering local housing options.
As part of this transformation, the existing bus station will be replaced with a modern mobility hub, improving connectivity to town centre shops and services. There is also potential for a hotel atop the hub, further boosting Yeovil’s cultural and nightlife offerings.
The council aims to submit a formal planning application for the full redevelopment within the next 12 months, ensuring the green space has ample time to become established through summer and autumn.
A spokesperson from Somerset Council shared: “Demolition at Glovers Walk was completed at the end of January. Work to enable the short-term use of the site is nearing completion, with an expected finish in early June. The site is currently being seeded and we are monitoring weather conditions to ensure the grass becomes well established before opening.”
Importantly, this new green space will also be a hub for “Yeovil Reimagine,” a two-year, £400,000 cultural programme led by Yeovil Art Space. Funded jointly by the council and Arts Council England, the initiative aims to deliver flagship cultural events and public art installations, offering new creative opportunities especially for young people in the area.
Phil Gibby, Arts Council England’s South West area director, stated: “We’re proud to support Yeovil Art Space. Culture has the power to revive high streets, connect communities, and build pride. By expanding access to creative experiences, programmes like this foster greater community participation.”
Councillor Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for economic development, planning and assets, enthused: “This project breathes new life into Yeovil town centre and works alongside ongoing regeneration efforts. It is wonderful to see young people contributing creatively and leaving a positive legacy in their community.”
Looking ahead, the council continues to develop the regeneration plans and anticipates submitting a planning application for Glovers Walk’s long-term redevelopment by late spring 2027.