Keynsham residents are being asked how they would like a street in the heart of the town to look in the future.
A six-week consultation period is now underway to allow residents, businesses and community groups to have their say about the newly released Temple Street concept design plans.
This comes as part of the Keynsham Heritage Action Zone (HS HAZ) Programme to make the area more attractive and vibrant while enhancing its historic identity.
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The consultation window is set to close on Monday, November 22.
The £1.1m four-year project to improve the town’s Conservation Area is a partnership between Bath & North East Somerset Council (BANES), Historic England and Keynsham Town Council.
This includes plans to widen pavements, add planters, cycle parking, spill-out café seating and artwork on Temple Street.
Councillor Richard Samuel, Deputy Leader of BANES 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.”
Councillor Andy Wait, Chair of Keynsham T own Council shared: "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 is already underway. 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.
Further details about Keynsham’s HS HAZ can be found here.
