Date published: 2025-05-14 | Category: Delivering for local residents, economic development, Giving people a bigger say, Keynsham Area, Leisure, Tourism and Heritage, Regeneration and Development
Residents and businesses in Keynsham are being asked for their views on a shortlist of ideas about how the town centre could be revitalised for the future.
The Keynsham Town Centre Regeneration Action Plan being created by Bath & North East Somerset includes proposals for more shopfront improvements, improved wayfinding and active travel projects that could provide opportunities for investment in the town.
The plan includes aspirations identified by the Keynsham High Street Heritage Action Zone project that took place from 2020-2024 and ideas developed through previous rounds of community engagement.
The council is now asking people to have their say on a shortlist of specific project ideas which are:
- Improved signage
- High street planting
- Upper High Street and further Temple Street public realm improvements
- Further shop front improvements
- Repurposing of Riverside vacant units
- Active travel projects such as improved walking connections, cycle repair stations and improved cycle routes
- More community and cultural events
- Pedestrianisation as one of the options being considered as part of the Creating sustainable communities: Journey to Net Zero strategy.
- Additional community space
- Improvements to the Memorial Park & Weir including removal of the weir to enable fish to pass, increased biodiversity and improved signage
People can comment on the plans from May 21 by completing an online surveywhich runs until June 20.
There will be a display at Keynsham Library’s community space between May 21 and June 4, where people can learn more about plans for their local area, as well as the reset of the Bath and North East Somerset Local Plan, a long-term plan for housing and economic growth in the wider area.
A drop-in session for businesses will also take place at the library from 2pm to 6pm on May 23 and for stakeholders from 1pm to 5pm on May 30, where people can talk to project officers and find out more.
Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, said: “This is a chance for residents and businesses to help shape Keynsham town centre, as we look to the future housing and employment growth that is on the horizon bringing opportunities for investment. The renewal of the high street will create potential for increased tourism and footfall in the town, supporting local trade and protecting its heritage assets. We look forward to hearing from the community on how you think Keynsham should be regenerated to best meet everyone’s needs.”
Keynsham Town Council said: “Keynsham Town Council believe the regeneration of Keynsham town centre is essential for building a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable future for our community. We support revitalising the heart of our town to create a welcoming, accessible, and thriving space for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. We encourage all residents to call into the Keynsham Library’s community Space to view the displays and speak with B&NES officer regarding the plans. Likewise, we encourage our local businesses to get involved by attending the drop-in sessions planned for them.”
The town centre regeneration action plan is funded by £750,000 from the West of England Combined Authority’s Housing and Regeneration Enabling Fund to create regeneration action plans and masterplans for Keynsham, Midsomer Norton, Twerton and Radstock.
Helen Godwin, the new Mayor of the West of England, said: “I want all of the West’s high streets to really thrive, including in market towns like Keynsham. Three-quarters of a million pounds of investment from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority for the four market towns will help local residents to work with the council and its partners to plan the regeneration, new homes and new infrastructure that communities need.”
A detailed study of potential options for Keynsham High Street, including pedestrianisation will be carried out by the council in collaboration with the community to ensure local needs and preferences are fully understood. The council has also identified a wider package of transport measures to improve walking and cycling links in Keynsham town centre as well as improved bus services. Find out more about Creating sustainable communities: Journey to Net Zero
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