RESIDENTS, businesses, and visitors are being invited to provide feedback on proposals to guide the future development and regeneration of Midsomer Norton town centre.

Bath & North East Somerset Council and Midsomer Norton Town Council have jointly launched a public consultation on the IMAGINE Midsomer Norton Town Centre Masterplan, a bold vision identifying projects to improve the heart of the town.

The masterplan is centred around the former Midsomer Norton Brewery buildings and the surrounding retail area. It also encompasses the town’s main car parks on South Road and to the rear of Sainsbury’s supermarket.

The projects outlined in the masterplan include the restoration and reuse of historic buildings, such as bringing the former Bob’s Palais and the Old Gas Works sites back into use.

Improvements are also proposed for public spaces and pedestrian connections, including better links between the high street and the town park. In addition, the plan includes new homes and business spaces within the town centre, including the redevelopment of a private car park for housing.

The plan develops ideas that have been generated by landowners, local businesses and the community over the past year – including the Shape Your High Street arts weekend programme which saw 1,000 residents take part.

It also builds on the work of the Historic England funded High Street Heritage Action Zone programme which ran from 2020 to 2024.

The consultation runs until October 30 and there will be an outdoor consultation event at The Island on October 10 from 11am to 6pm and on October 11 from 11am to 3pm.

The event will include information about the Local Plan Options Consultation. There will also be opportunities to participate in family friendly and creative activities as part of The Big Draw Festival. Printed and easy read copies of the masterplan will be available at Midsomer Norton Library & Information Service.

Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development, said: "This masterplan is a significant step forward in shaping a vibrant, sustainable and welcoming town centre for Midsomer Norton.”

Councillor Martyn Plant, the mayor of Midsomer Norton, said: “The master plan is an ambitious and exciting initiative built on the ideas and suggestions of local residents and businesses.

“This is a real opportunity to help develop and improve the look and functioning of our town centre to benefit the whole community as well as visitors to Midsomer Norton.”

The project is funded by £750,000 from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority’s Housing and Regeneration Enabling Fund for four high street regeneration action plans and one town centre masterplan in B&NES.

Helen Godwin, the Mayor of the West of England, said: “I want all the West’s high streets to really thrive, including in places like Midsomer Norton. Three-quarters of a million-pounds is being invested by our regional authority to also help breathe new life into Keynsham, Radstock, and Twerton.”

Find out about all the ongoing and planned regeneration projects across B&NES www.bathnes.gov.uk/regeneration-and-major-projects