WORK to demolish Yeovil’s Glovers Walk has reached the next stage.

Walters UK have been appointed as demolition contractors for the site after Somerset Council recently secured ownership with plans to build new shops and affordable housing on the premises.

Somerset Council will now work with nearby business owners and tenants, including Yeovil Bus Station operators First Bus and South West Coaches, to make appropriate arrangements before demolition can take place.

Demolition is expected to take place in mid to late November, with an end target date of early spring 2025.

The demolition will be carried out in phases, with the initial focus on the building interiors and then the demolition of the structures.

Survey works have already commenced, combined with a range of other activities to make the site ready for demolition which will be carried out in phases starting in late October.

READ MORE: Yeovil Refresh final phase could soon begin following sale of Glovers Walk

Cllr Mike Rigby, lead member for economic development, planning and assets said: “Thanks to £4.8m of Future High Streets Funding allocated by The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, we can now move forward with the demolition and redevelopment of this strategic site.

“Initially, we will create a new space for temporary ‘meanwhile’ use. This is to ensure that the site – once levelled – is utilised positively and effectively while we consider long term development options.

“The creation of green spaces featuring a range of activities would be one example of this type of ‘meanwhile’ use.”

Glovers Walk Picture: Somerset Council

Walters UK Regional Director Jim Webb said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the demolition contract that will kickstart the next, final phase of regeneration works as part of the Yeovil Refresh.

“It is a hugely exciting project for us and we very much look forward to working with Somerset Council on this milestone project.”

Love Yeovil and Yeovil Art Space have been commissioned by Somerset Council to gain the views and opinions of the local community and organisations in developing this site and the wider town centre, with the purpose of delivering an attractive, flexible, economically sustainable space for Yeovil, its residents, businesses and visitors to the town.

Yeovil Bus Station will not be closing and will not be affected by plans for the Glovers Walk site. Somerset Council will be working closely with the Bus Station operators First Bus and South West Coaches to ensure that the station remains fully operational throughout the period of works to the Glovers Walk site and into the future.