A year after it was first established, work on the Wincanton Town Regeneration Scheme is progressing well and stepping up a gear in 2021.

South Somerset District Council’s (SSDC) Wincanton Town Centre Strategy aims to boost footfall and help create a more vibrant town centre, in which Wincanton’s businesses can flourish.

The strategy sets out four locations for improvements to the town’s public realm which include improving the pavements, roads and seating areas which people use. A review of town centre properties has been undertaken, which could see several empty buildings being brought back into use and improving other buildings in the town.

The review will provide the basis for discussions with owners and funders about possible enhancements.
In November, Phil Jones Associates were appointed as the lead contractor for the design phase and are now developing outline designs for schemes in the Market Place, Carrington Way central and eastern High Street.

Ideas shared in an engagement session with key stakeholders in early will help inform the current design work and will be published for consultation in early February.
The design process will continue to June, with further consultation with the public and statutory agencies including the highway authority.

Councillor Henry Hobhouse, portfolio holder for Wincanton Town Centre Regeneration Programme, said: “It has been a challenging 12 months for town centres and independent retailers across the country but the regeneration proposals for Wincanton will help to improve the town centre environment and encourage people to visit, helping boost footfall and dwell time as we ease out of the pandemic. Do also keep an eye out for more information about the Public Realm consultation coming soon.”

Chairman of Wincanton Town Council Sue Shelbourn Barrow said: “This is an exciting time for the town of Wincanton, its residents and businesses. The joint appointment of Susi, our project and development co-ordinator, in December 2020 continues to strengthen the partnership between South Somerset District Council Regeneration Programme and Wincanton Town Council’s plan Wincanton for the Future. The year 2021/22 is the continuation of the collaboration to enable our town to thrive.”

The Events and Activities Funding Programme will help community organisations and local businesses put on a range of events to encourage visitors with two levels of grants are available, up to £5k for an individual business or up to £10k for collaborations involving three or more businesses or organisations. Since its launch, funding approval of up to £42k has been given towards projects for events in 2021 including pop-up panto performances by The Charming Rat doorstep panto and the illuminated Wincanton Carnival, which is due to be held in October.

Find out more about the Regeneration of Wincanton town centre on the South Somerset District Council website at southsomerset.gov.uk.

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