Somerset Council is set to sell three publicly owned buildings in Williton following the completion of a major refurbishment of West Somerset House. Located on Killick Way, West Somerset House formerly served as the headquarters for West Somerset Council until its dissolution in April 2019, and later for Somerset West and Taunton Council until April 2023.
The building has been closed to the public since Christmas Eve 2024 as Somerset Council carried out extensive renovations. The refurbishment aims to consolidate the village’s library and other essential community services under one roof. The building is scheduled to reopen on Wednesday, June 25.
With this redevelopment, the council has announced plans to sell three other properties in Williton: the former library, the children’s centre, and Beckett House (also known as the Williton Skills and Enterprise Centre). Proceeds from these sales will be used to support front-line services across the area.
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West Somerset House had been underused in recent years, especially after the abolition of West Somerset Council. The main chamber was considered too small for full council meetings or larger public gatherings, forcing residents to travel to Taunton to attend such events. Since Somerset Council’s takeover, no in-person meetings have taken place at the site; instead, planning committee meetings related to the western area are held in Taunton and live-streamed.
The decision to repurpose West Somerset House was made by the council’s corporate and resources scrutiny committee in March 2024, as part of a broader strategy to rationalize property assets inherited from five former local authorities.
Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, portfolio holder for communities, housing and culture, commented, “By bringing the library, customer access point, and other services together, we are creating a modern hub where people can access vital support and connect with their community. We want everyone to feel confident using digital services, and our customer access points are designed to be accessible and user-friendly.”
Following the refurbishment, the ground floor of West Somerset House will host the local library, registration services, and the children’s centre. The building will no longer have a staffed customer reception; instead, residents will access services digitally via a customer access point within the library, with library staff trained to assist those unfamiliar with the technology.
The original library closed on June 16 to facilitate the move of its collection to the new location, while health visitors from the children’s centre relocated on June 20. Until the official reopening on June 25, residents seeking council services are advised to call 0300 123 2224 or visit www.somerset.gov.uk.
In addition to the former library and children’s centre, Beckett House on Bridge Street will also be sold. This building has reportedly been operating at a financial loss. According to a report by interim head of property Simon Lewis, the council’s ongoing financial challenges make it unfeasible to retain these surplus assets.
Lewis stated, “Retention of these sites was considered, but due to the council’s lack of future operational need and financial pressures, disposal is the preferred option. Some of these properties require further investment, so selling them on the open market—possibly by auction—may attract small developers.”
The council has not disclosed expected revenue from these sales, citing commercial sensitivity.