PLANS to develop affordable accommodation for young professionals, key workers and student apprentices in Yeovil, part of the Yeovil Refresh programme, can go ahead after funding was allocated to carry out the plans.

This final phase will see the development of affordable accommodation above commercial and retail premises at three key locations: 66 Middle Street, 96 Middle Street and Wyndham Street.

The acquisition of the Glover’s Walk premises comprises the fourth town centre site for redevelopment, which will initially be demolished to form a temporary ‘meanwhile’ use. The site will then be redeveloped in accordance with master planning work, which started in March funded by Homes England.

The council confirmed that Yeovil Bus Station will not close and will not be affected by plans for the Glover’s Walk site.

Yeovil Bus Station Picture: Google Maps

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) confirmed the reallocation and extension of £4.8m of Future High Streets Funding (FHSF) to deliver the final phase of major redevelopment as part of the Yeovil Refresh.

The Yeovil Refresh programme is designed to future-proof the town centre by making it more accessible and attractive to those that visited it, with the idea to encourage more businesses to take root.

Cllr Ros Wyke, Lead Member Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning & Assets said: “As we see the majority of public realm works coming to completion, this latest news is positive and exciting in the delivery of an attractive, flexible, income generating mixed use development for Yeovil and its town centre.

“Key to success will be consultation with the community and partners Love Yeovil and Yeovil Artspace, as providers of events, activities and entertainment moving forward.”

With MHCLG’s decision now confirmed, acquisition of the Glover’s Walk site is anticipated to complete within the coming months, with the appointment of a demolition contractor expected in August.

Demolition of the site would commence in the autumn.

Cllr Wyke adds: “To be absolutely clear, Yeovil Bus Station is not closing and will not be affected by plans for the Glover’s Walk site.

“We will be working closely with the Bus Station owners to ensure that the bus station remains fully operational throughout the period of works to the Glover’s Walk site and into the future.”

Once the Council has secured ownership of the premises it will be working with adjacent building owners and existing tenants to make appropriate arrangements, ahead of works commencing.

The Yeovil Refresh programme is split into four themes which will be delivered by a number of different stakeholders. These are broadly defined as:

• Developments. This relates to bringing forward empty buildings and stalled development sites within the town centre
• Public Realm enhancements.  Improvements to core streets including Westminster Street, High Street, Borough, Middle Street, Triangle and Wyndham Street area. This will create a better shared space which will be greener and easier to navigate. A new events square will be created at the Triangle
• Transport system changes. Changes to road systems, additional cycle ways, improved walking routes, review of bus routes, car parking improvements and possible highways junctions
• Soft interventions.  This includes events programmes, markets, management of spaces in the town, evening economy changes and a range of other economic activities