Date published: 2025-10-02 | Category: Delivering for local residents, Giving people a bigger say, Regeneration and Development, Somer Valley
Residents, businesses and visitors to Midsomer Norton are being invited to have their say on new opportunities to shape a vibrant and sustainable town centre that will thrive for the future.
Bath & North East Somerset Council and Midsomer Norton Town Council have jointly launched a public consultation on the IMAGINE Midsomer Norton Town Centre Masterplan, a bold vision identifying projects to improve the heart of the town.
The masterplan is centred around the former Midsomer Norton Brewery buildings and the surrounding retail area. It also encompasses the town’s main car parks on South Road and to the rear of Sainsbury’s supermarket.
The projects in the masterplan include:
- Restoration and reuse of historic buildings, including bringing the former Bob’s Palais and the Old Gas Works sites back into use
- Improved public spaces and pedestrian connections, including improving the links between the high street and the town park
- New homes and business spaces in the town centre, such as the redevelopment of a private car park for housing
The plan develops ideas that have been generated by landowners, local businesses and the community over the past year – including the Shape Your High Street arts weekend programme which saw 1,000 residents take part.
It also builds on the work of the Historic England funded High Street Heritage Action Zone programme which ran from 2020 to 2024.
The consultation runs until October 30 and there will be an outdoor consultation event at The Island on October 10 from 11am to 6pm and on October 11 from 11am to 3pm.
The event will include information about the Local Plan Options Consultation. There will also be opportunities to participate in family friendly and creative activities as part of The Big Draw Festival. Printed and easy read copies of the Masterplan will be available at Midsomer Norton Library & Information Service.
Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development, said: "This masterplan is a significant step forward in shaping a vibrant, sustainable and welcoming town centre for Midsomer Norton. It reflects the aspirations of our communities and sets out a clear direction for future investment and regeneration. Please share your views with us in the consultation.”
Councillor Martyn Plant, the Mayor of Midsomer Norton, said: “The master plan is an ambitious and exciting initiative built on the ideas and suggestions of local residents and businesses. This is a real opportunity to help develop and improve the look and functioning of our town centre to benefit the whole community as well as visitors to Midsomer Norton. I enthusiastically encourage residents to look at the plan and contribute their responses, suggestions and ideas.”
The project is funded by £750,000 from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority’s Housing and Regeneration Enabling Fund for four high street regeneration action plans and one town centre masterplan in B&NES.
Helen Godwin, the Mayor of the West of England, said: “I want all the West’s high streets to really thrive, including in places like Midsomer Norton. Three-quarters of a million-pounds is being invested by our regional authority to also help breathe new life into Keynsham, Radstock, and Twerton.
“We’re working with the local council, listening to local people, to deliver change that communities can see and feel. Together, we can restore old buildings, improve public spaces, and build the right homes in the right places.”
Find out about all the ongoing and planned regeneration projects across B&NES
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