AN amphitheatre-style space is set to open to the public in Yeovil in the New Year.

The area at the eastern end of the town, formerly the bandstand and known as the Triangle, has been transformed into a 100-seater space that will feature a raised platform and large screen that will serve as a space for live performances.

The space will also serve as a gathering point for residents and visitors and will also see the addition of a water feature which is scheduled to be commissioned in spring.

The work, which was expected to finish in summer, has seen several delays.

Somerset Council said the creation of the “state-of-the-art” entertainment space follows a consultation with businesses and residents who were asked what they would like to see in the town.

The work is part of a major regeneration project for the town, known as the Yeovil Refresh.

Somerset Council hopes the area will become a popular focal point for the community.

Councillor Mike Rigby, lead member for economic development, planning and assets, said: “We are incredibly excited to be opening the Triangle in the new year – a completely different space from the former bandstand area.

“Locals will see elements of the new space already open and dressed for the festive period.

The Triangle is set to open in the New Year Picture: Somerset Council

“We will be working with partners to deliver a diverse programme of events and activities, maximising the potential the new space will offer in bringing people together and creating a focal point for the town.

“The regeneration of the Triangle has been a long time coming and we thank local businesses for their patience while works have been underway – in particular, Texas Rocks, Neo’s, Chicago Rock and The Entertainer.

“It has been vital that we get this space right – the community spoke and we listened. We very much hope locals and visitors alike will find it an inspiring, relaxing and exciting new addition in making Yeovil a thriving place to live, work and visit.”

The Yeovil Refresh work is a £24 million regeneration programme of the town, designed to future-proof Yeovil, and includes £9.75m of Future High Streets funding from the government.

£4.8m of the Future High Streets funding is being spent on creating mixed-use developments – a split of businesses and affordable accommodation – in Middle Street, Wyndham Street and Glovers Walk.

Somerset Council is spending up to £1.2 million to demolish Glovers Walk, with money coming from the Future High Streets fund, and it will form a ‘meanwhile use’ following demolition.

Not everyone is on board with the plans, or lack of plans, however.

Yeovil town councillor Tareth Casey (Independent, Westland Ward) spoke to the Blackmore Vale’s sister publication, the Somerset Leveller in October to voice concerns that Somerset Council is rushing to demolish the shopping centre before it finalises a long-term strategic plan for the future of the site.

Yeovil Bus Station will not be affected by the plans for Glovers Walk, Somerset Council has said, as it will work with First Bus and South West Coaches to ensure that the station remains fully operational throughout the period of works.