An exciting scheme to create hundreds of jobs, homes and a new marina in Keynsham and give the town a “significant role” in the West of England has been unveiled.
The economic regeneration scheme for the Broadmead Peninsula has been drawn up by the River Regeneration Trust.
The trust superseded the River Corridor Group, which was established by Bath and North East Somerset Council in 2010 to provide advice on how the economic, social, cultural and environmental potential of the 30km stretch of the River Avon from Dundas to Hanham might be unlocked.
The Broadland Peninsula includes some land currently in the Green Belt, Keynsham Sewage Treatment Works, the Broadmead Lane Industrial Estate, pictured above, and Avon Valley Wildlife and Adventure Park, left.
The scheme includes up to 355 houses, micro businesses, a marina for more than 450 boats, a constructed wetland, houseboats and holiday homes, an aquatic centre and visitor attractions.
The council’s River and Canal Champion Cllr Dave Laming (Independent, Lambridge), who founded the River Corridor Group, said: “We have established key relationships with Wessex Water, the Canal and River Trust, the Kennet &Avon Canal Trust and Curo Homes, together with Memoranda of Understanding with major Broadmead Peninsula landowners.
“These partnerships, together with the allocation of £100,000 from the council for river corridor regeneration, mean the Trust can now concentrate on using the river to help Keynsham reclaim hundreds of the jobs lost by the closure of Cadbury’s, and add to the 1,000 promised by Taylor Wimpey at Somerdale.”
Taylor Wimpey is just one of the housebuilders that the Trust is talking to about the potential of the peninsula.
Cllr Paul Crossley, leader of the council, said: “Our long-term ambition is for Keynsham to have a significant role in the wider West of England. This will be an exciting place to live, work and be entertained. The Cabinet and I look forward to receiving the study.”
A rival “seven-figure” scheme for part of the peninsula has also been unveiled this week. Plans went on show in Keynsham High Street, pictured left, on Thursday. NextPhase Development has drawn up the scheme on behalf the landowner, a local farmer.
The plans for a 306-berth marina will be lodged with B&NES in the autumn and Mr Whitehouse will be making a presentation to the town council on October 8.
He says the scheme would benefit the Keynsham economy by boosting spending locally and creating employment.
Keynsham already has the Portavon Marina, below, near the Lock Keeper pub, which provides moorings for up to 100 narrow boats and cruisers.
