Somerset Council has unveiled plans to allocate up to £1 million for the demolition of a shopping centre as part of the ongoing Yeovil Refresh regeneration initiative. The Yeovil Refresh program, spearheaded by South Somerset District Council, aims to future-proof the Yeovil town centre through various projects aimed at enhancing its appeal to residents, visitors, and potential businesses.

Despite the completion or near-completion of many public realm improvements, efforts by the council to regenerate key brownfield sites in the city centre, such as the former cattle market and Glovers Walk shopping centre, have faced repeated setbacks. Somerset Council now aims to demolish Glovers Walk in preparation for a significant redevelopment of the site, with reports indicating the council’s interest in acquiring the area.

In addition to the demolition plans, the council intends to reallocate £5 million of central government funding towards the redevelopment of three smaller city centre sites to provide new housing options for young professionals, key workers, and apprentices. Details of the proposed demolition project were disclosed on the public procurement website BidStats, with companies invited to submit bids until May 24.

The tender notice states: “Somerset Council is undertaking a scheme to redevelop Glovers Walk on the eastern edge of Yeovil town centre. The site has remained vacant for several years and is in a state of disrepair. The redevelopment of this site, once home to a thriving glove industry, aims to create a new sense of place and contribute to an economically viable future for Yeovil.”

A substantial portion of the Yeovil Refresh initiative has been funded by a £9.75 million allocation from the government’s Future High Streets Fund, granted in December 2020. This funding has facilitated the development of projects such as the new Triangle Amphitheatre (currently under construction), improvements to Middle Street, and a cultural events program in collaboration with Love Yeovil and Yeovil Artspace.

While the original deadline for the funding was set for the end of April, the council has negotiated with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) to extend the deadline to early 2025, allowing for continued progress on the revitalization efforts in Yeovil town centre.