Several grant funded schemes that together will make big improvements to Temple Street in Keynsham are taking another step forward.
The Temple Street Improvement Projects aim to make the area more inviting and attract footfall for local businesses.
Two large scale artworks created by Bath Carnival have been installed in Temple Street and Riverside Square to celebrate Temple Street and Keynsham town centre.
No 2. River Terrace, opposite Keynsham Leisure Centre entrance, is currently undergoing a full refurbishment and will be brought into use as a community arts and local business space from February 2023.
Over the next six months, new planters, cycle parking and seating will be installed on the Riverside development side of the street.
In January, work will begin to install new high-quality paving on the opposite side of the street.
The Temple Street Improvement Project is part of Keynsham High Street Heritage Action Zone Programme (HS HAZ) a heritage-led renewal programme that aims to continue to make Keynsham High Street a more vibrant place.
Keynsham HS HAZ is a partnership project led by Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Renewal Team, funded by Historic England with match funding from the council and Keynsham Town Council.
The council will also create a new online Keynsham Business Directory and launch a ‘shop local’ campaign in partnership with Keynsham Town Council to promote the local area and support local businesses.
Councillor Mark Roper, cabinet member for Economic Development, Regeneration and Growth, said: “It’s great news that work is progressing on this important project that will help build the potential of Temple Street and continue to make Keynsham town centre more attractive for residents, businesses, tourists and investors. There is a rich heritage in Keynsham that we hope to encourage more people to engage with and enjoy.”
Keynsham’s Local Cultural Programme continued with a High Street Discovery Trail launched in October half term, an ongoing artist-led community quilting project about parenting in Keynsham, and a celebration of the town’s radio heritage in January.
Keynsham’s Local Cultural Programme is part of Historic England’s High Streets Heritage Action Zones scheme. It is funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport’s Heritage High Street Fund, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Future High Streets Fund, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Councillor Andy Wait, chair of Keynsham Town Council, said: “I would like to thank the project manager and everybody else who has contributed to this stage of the town centre improvements, in Temple Street. I look forward to seeing the result of their work.”
More information about the latest project updates and events can be found at HiKeynsham.co.uk
Anyone with questions or comments about Keynsham HSHAZ can email: [email protected] or write to Keynsham HS HAZ Project Team at Keynsham Town Council Office.