Improved public spaces, refurbishment of buildings and the introduction of more trees and planting are among the proposed ideas for the Old Brewery Quarter area of Midsomer Norton as part of a regeneration plan for the town.

Residents and businesses are being invited to comment on the design ideas via a series of ‘open studio’ events this month or by completing an online survey.

The Midsomer Norton Town Centre Plan is being developed by both Bath & North East Somerset Council and Midsomer Norton Town Council and has a focus on a masterplan for the Old Brewery area, as well as a Regeneration Action Plan for the wider high street.

The open studio will take place in the Hollies chamber, which is next to the library on Midsomer Norton High Street. It will be held on:

Visitors of the open studio will be able to view the ideas and have their say. At select times there will be creative family activities led by artists-in-residence Jo Slade and Steve Griffiths.

The feedback gathered from the events and from the online survey on the IMAGINE Midsomer Norton website will help shape the final design of the refurbishment. This survey will run until Thursday, May 29.

The designs have been created following an initial round of public engagement at the end of 2024.

People will also be able to learn about the reset of the Bath and North East Somerset Local Plan, a long-term plan for housing and economic growth in the wider area, at the open studio events.

Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development, said: “These proposals for the town centre will further enhance the public realm improvements that have already transformed Midsomer Norton, helping to attract more people to discover and spend time here.

“Providing the community spaces that residents would like to see created in the town is important, so I hope lots of people will take part in one of these engagement events or respond online if you’re not able to join us.”

Councillor Martyn Plant, the Mayor of Midsomer Norton, said: “I would encourage as many residents of the town as possible to take this opportunity to shape and influence future developments of the town by engaging in these exciting opportunities. It is of utmost importance to the Town Council that the local community have a voice in determining the future of our town."

Midsomer Norton is the second town in the Bath and North East Somerset area to benefit from town centre regeneration action plans, which are funded by £750,000 from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority’s Housing and Regeneration Enabling Fund.

Find out about all of the ongoing and planned regeneration projects across B&NES. Residents with any enquiries they would like to ask can email [email protected].