Artist's impression of the redevelopment of Keynsham town centre
The Bristol office of international architects Aedas has drawn up plans to revitalise Keynsham’s town centre and an application has been submitted to Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) Council following a year of consultations with the local community.
The £34m project to redevelop the existing town hall site includes a mix of retail and restaurant space, a new civic building with an innovative one stop shop for people to access local services, plus a new library and performance space for community use and spaces for markets and events.
The hope is that regeneration of the town centre will help attract private sector investment and create new opportunities and jobs. It is part of an overall regeneration strategy which includes a £50m private sector investment in the former Cadbury factory site at Somerdale by Taylor Wimpey and redevelopment of the Riverside building.
Gill Hellier, chair of Keynsham Town Council, said: “After months of consultation we’re pleased that the project is taking another step forward. I encourage the community to take a look at the proposals and comment on the scheme.”
Councillor David Bellotti, BaNES cabinet member for community resources, added: “This is a truly dynamic and exciting scheme that will completely transform the town. Bath & North East Somerset Council has been listening to local people about what they want to see and many comments are now reflected in the final planning application. Subject to planning permission, the council is looking forwards toward delivering this project successfully and improving the heart of the Keynsham community.”
The regeneration is also part of B&NES’ plans to become even more financially efficient as it reduces the office space it needs from 12 buildings to four.
What an ugly development…typical of the council who seems to forget we live in a beautiful part of the world, not in a nasty London suburb….
Sorry, but give it a couple of years and that is going to look so ugly and outdated and do we want the town "completely" transformed? Improved, Yes, transformed – await others comments.