Residents of Yeovil have just weeks left to share their opinions on the ambitious redevelopment plans for their town centre. Somerset Council unveiled its new Yeovil town centre masterplan in mid-August, aiming to revitalize four key brownfield sites with new homes, commercial spaces, and enhanced local facilities.
The masterplan builds upon previous improvements under the Yeovil Refresh initiative, which included upgrades to public spaces and better walking and cycling routes. It also complements the ongoing demolition of the old Glovers Walk shopping centre. Public feedback is invited until the end of October, with one of the most contentious issues being the potential loss of substantial town centre car parking spaces.
Ian Timms, project manager for Yeovil Refresh, emphasized at the Yeovil Super Saturday event held on September 20 that the masterplan sets high-level principles for future development and will be a crucial element of the new Local Plan guiding future planning decisions. The plan identifies several key sites for development aimed at revitalizing the town centre residentially and commercially, while respecting Yeovil’s heritage and green spaces.
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A key objective is improving connectivity between the town centre and the nearby Ninesprings Country Park, enhancing green spaces and making the town more welcoming.
Notably, the Court Ash and North Lane car parks are earmarked for redevelopment into two blocks of four-storey buildings containing 50 to 60 one- and two-bedroom flats or maisonettes. Although significant parking spaces will be removed, each unit will have an allocated parking area. Public reaction has been mixed, with some residents opposing the loss of parking, prompting the council to actively seek community views.
The former Glovers Walk site, recently acquired by the council for £2.7 million via the government’s Future High Streets Fund, is nearing the end of its demolition phase. Plans envision a six-storey development featuring commercial spaces on the ground floor, local services such as an NHS hub and community centre on the next two floors, and up to 108 flats on the upper floors. The new development will include a modern mobility hub replacing the existing bus station, potentially topped by a hotel to boost Yeovil’s cultural and nightlife offerings. The council is currently exploring interest from several hotel chains.
Another important site, the former Wilko store on Middle Street, will be divided into two blocks, featuring local facilities like a family centre, nursery, or café on lower floors, and up to 60 homes above, including flats, maisonettes, and townhouses. This area is expected to meet demand for early years provision and diverse leisure options to enrich town centre life.
The Stars Lane car park and adjacent Box Factory site, along with a nearby small car park on South Street, form the final key area targeted for revitalization. Together, these could introduce 80 to 90 homes, contributing to an overall total of approximately 318 new residences across all four key sites.
Residents keen to participate in the consultation can do so online or by visiting Yeovil Library. The final masterplan will be reviewed for formal adoption in December, after which all planning applications will need to align with its criteria.
Councillor Mike Rigby, responsible for economic development, planning, and assets, urged the community to engage in shaping Yeovil’s future, “This is their chance to help shape the future of Yeovil as a thriving and vibrant town with a strong economy.”