Radstock Town Centre Regeneration Action Plan

An action plan to regenerate Radstock town centre is set to be developed thanks to new funding secured by Bath & North East Somerset Council.

The council successfully bid for £750,000 funding from the West of England Combined Authority’s Housing and Regeneration Enabling Fund to create action plans and masterplans for four town centres in Bath and North East Somerset, working in partnership with residents, stakeholders and landowners.

The first action plan to be developed will be for Radstock Town Centre and will identify opportunities for improvements to the area to revitalise the town centre and bring vacant shops back into use.

The plan will aim to enhance the vitality of the town centre and could include community

events and markets, improved public spaces and supporting employment and upskilling in the town centre. It will be developed by the council in partnership with Radstock Town Council.

Keynsham Town Centre will also have a regeneration action plan created from 2024 and Twerton and Midsomer Norton High Streets will benefit from Masterplanning activities for key sites near the High Street. Masterplanning is due to start this year and Midsomer Norton Masterplanning is due to start in 2024.

All four projects will agree priority ideas and seek funding to deliver improvements to revitalise the town centres, with delivery expected from 2024- 25 onwards.

The Council is also due to launch work on its new Local Plan for the district in September, which will provide a new overall planning framework for Keynsham, Midsomer Norton and Radstock. The regeneration action plans will complement and inform the new Local Plan.

Councillor Mark Roper, cabinet assistant for Neighbourhood Services, said: “I am delighted that work is starting on a regeneration action plan for Radstock as part of our wider commitment to revitalising town centres across Bath and North East Somerset. The plans will mean real change can be achieved and further funding sought to support the needs of our communities.

“The focus for Radstock will be to improve the vitality and viability of the town centre, in particular bringing vacant buildings and shops back into active use and assisting community organisations in the town to find new premises which meet their needs.

“The renewal of the high street and making the most of Radstock’s heritage assets, including historic buildings, will also give a potential for increased tourism and footfall in the town, supporting local trade”.

Engagement took place at events in the town in September & October 2022 and feedback from this will inform the development of the action plan for Radstock. A formal public consultation will take place after the action plan has been completed in 2023.

Find out more about high street renewal in Bath and North East Somerset at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/BathnesHighStreetRenewal