The owners of the former Welton Bibby and Baron site in Midsomer Norton have been listening with interest to aspirations being put forward for the site by local representatives.

Responding to suggestions from Midsomer Norton Conservative Councillor, Barry Macrae, that the site be used for a specialist sports training centre, hotel and sheltered housing, the developer behind the regeneration proposals welcomes all ideas, but has reiterated that any proposal for the site needs to be funded by a large enough commercial driver – such as a food store.

Adam Pratt, of developer Terrace Hill, said: "We are not a housebuilder and will be pursuing a mix of uses for the site. However, the numbers need to stack up and a food store and some houses will form part of our redevelopment proposals in order to help fund a range of community

benefits for Midsomer Norton. These include significant improvements to Stones Cross, the gateway to the town centre, and improved pedestrian links to the High Street. We welcome Cllr Macrae's willingness to engage with us in bringing forward suggestions for the site and we will continue to work with him and the local community to explore opportunities. However, we can only pursue a proposal that is commercially viable."

Bristol-based Terrace Hill has an option to redevelop the site following the relocation of Welton Bibby and Baron's operations to a new facility in Westbury. The developer has confirmed that all of the buildings on the site will need to be removed, as they are in an unfit state to be retained as part of the regeneration.

Malcolm Ross, Managing Director of Welton Bibby and Baron, said: "Sale of the site to a volume housebuilder was an option, however, we felt that Midsomer Norton deserves better and that we have a responsibility to deliver a lasting legacy on this site. For this reason, we have chosen to work with Terrace Hill to deliver a range of uses on the site and while we are very happy to explore some of Cllr Macrae's suggestions, we must be sure that the financials are sound, which is why a food store and some housing will anchor the redevelopment."

Terrace Hill is working on a masterplan to regenerate this key brownfield site in the town, which will allow space for a substantial retail element creating 300 jobs, providing ample space for free parking within a short walk of the High Street and bringing other benefits to the town, including new homes and the regeneration of the area around the Stones Cross roundabout.