Residents in Keynsham are being asked how they would like Temple Street to look in the future.
Concept design proposals to “make the area more attractive, engaging and vibrant while enhancing its historic identity” have just been released as part of the Keynsham Heritage Action Zone (HS HAZ) Programme.
The £1.1m four-year project to improve the town’s Conservation Area is a partnership between Bath & North East Somerset Council, Historic England and Keynsham Town Council.
The plans for Temple Street include widened pavements, planters, cycle parking and spill-out café seating and artwork.
Landscape Architects Macgregor Smith have worked with the project partners and members of the local community to create the proposals for Temple Street which will now go out to public consultation.
Richard Samuel, deputy leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council and Cabinet member for Resources and Economic Development, said: “The concept designs have been inspired by Keynsham’s past and aim to strengthen Temple Street’s identity as an independent part of Keynsham’s High Street while promoting sustainable economic and cultural growth and improving quality of life in the town centre.
“We want to celebrate Temple Street’s historic character while making it a more appealing and vibrant place to visit by improving the streetscape, particularly around the historic terrace of shops and the Grade II listed Trout Tavern. We also want to reduce the dominance of Riverside, revitalise underused spaces, green the street with planting and trees, improve accessibility and the street’s connection to key areas in the town such as Memorial Park.
“We think these initial concept proposals address these issues, but it’s important local people shape their own community which is why I’m urging people to get involved in the consultation and help inform the detailed design proposals.”
During the six-week consultation, which runs from today until Monday 22nd November, a series of drop-in sessions and physical and virtual meetings will be held for residents, businesses and community groups to provide feedback and have their voices heard.
Cllr Andy Wait, Chair of Keynsham Town Council, said: “Temple Street has a huge potential to become something very special in Keynsham. The first step in this renaissance is the upgrading of the public spaces on the street. Please take the time to look at the proposed upgrade and comment. This is your chance to give an opinion on the changes suggested. Your views count. It isn’t too late for these ideas to change.”
The improvements to Temple Street are part of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s wider High Streets Renewal Programme which will see £3.6m invested into the rejuvenation of Keynsham’s High Street. This includes the separate project Keynsham High Street Public Realm Improvements Phase 1, which began in early summer. It focuses on the core High Street, including footpath decluttering, widening and resurfacing, better signage, cycling and bus stop facilities and new seating, streetlights, landscaping and trees.
Visit HiKeynsham.co.uk to find out more.
