Date published: 2026-10-16 | Category: Delivering for local residents
A new plan to help secure investment and guide the next phase of improvements in Midsomer Norton town centre is set to be considered by Bath & North East Somerset Council.
The Midsomer Norton Town Centre Regeneration Action Plan is a joint project with Midsomer Norton Town Council and provides a framework to attract future funding and deliver projects that would increase the vibrancy of the town centre, support businesses and improve public spaces.
The Action Plan has shaped by extensive engagement with residents, businesses and stakeholders and builds on the success of the town's Masterplan, which together with the Action Plan forms the new Town Plan.
Projects proposed as part of the new Action Plan include improvements to the High Street public realm, better community spaces at Somer Centre, Town Hall and Orchard Community Hall and opportunities for outdoor events. Conservation Area improvements would be made across the town centre, alongside better walking routes and wayfinding.
Businesses would be supported with new business incubation and creative spaces. Key development sites would be encouraged to come forward, including the former Welton manufacturing site.
The Town Plan builds on the major changes already delivered through the High Street Heritage Action Zone programme, which included the creation of the new Market Square and improvements to public spaces and shopfronts. It has also built on wider investment in the town, including the creation of the Town Park and improvements to green spaces delivered through the Somer Valley Rediscovered partnership.
Councillor Paul Roper, Cabinet Member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, is due to make a Single Member Decision on the proposed Action Plan later this month https://democracy.bathnes.gov.uk/mgIssueHistoryHome.aspx?IId=41834&PlanId=1082&RPID=477556101.
Councillor Roper said: “Midsomer Norton has developed a lot in recent years, with major investment helping to breathe new life into the town. This Action Plan looks at what comes next, building on that momentum and shaping a shared vision for the future. We have developed the plan with residents, local organisations and Midsomer Norton Town Council to reflect what the community has told us you want to see.
“If agreed, the plan will help us and the town council make the case for future funding and turn ideas into reality - from supporting local businesses and celebrating the town's heritage to improving public spaces and creating new opportunities. It's about making sure Midsomer Norton continues to thrive in the years ahead.”
The plan has been developed and endorsed in partnership with Midsomer Norton Town Council and has been shaped by extensive engagement with residents, businesses and stakeholders.
Midsomer Norton Town Council said: "This Action Plan reflects the ambitions and priorities that residents, businesses and community organisations have identified for the future of Midsomer Norton. It brings together a wide range of opportunities in a single programme that can guide investment and help turn local aspirations into deliverable projects. We are pleased to have worked closely with Bath & North East Somerset Council on its development and look forward to continuing that partnership as opportunities come forward to enhance the town centre and strengthen Midsomer Norton's role as a thriving hub for the wider Somer Valley."
The project is funded from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority’s Housing and Regeneration Enabling Fund.
Helen Godwin, Mayor for the West of England said: “There is real ambition for Midsomer Norton and the wider Somer Valley. Together, we are already improving transport links and supporting the nature recovery work of Somer Valley Rediscovered. The Town Centre Regeneration Action Plan is set to be an important step in shaping the town’s future, following on from recent investment including regional funding to help transform the Town Hall.
"Building on Midsomer Norton’s rich heritage while creating new opportunities will help to establish a clear vision for regeneration, unlocking further investment, and continuing to breathe more life into the town centre.”
eat:Festival in the town centre on 10 October.