The Yeovil Refresh programme
The Yeovil Refresh programme focused on three themes: public realm, development and transport. An additional theme, called animation, supports these areas.
Animation includes business activity, markets, events and other town centre activities.
We assessed the town centre under each theme. This included strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and constraints.
From this work, a refreshed vision was created. This set out the main aims for the programme.
The analysis and vision helped us identify a series of interventions. These aimed to improve the town centre and deliver long-term benefits for residents, visitors and workers.
The goal was to begin to create a town centre that meets modern needs.
The Programme Vision
During early development of the Yeovil Refresh programme, we set out the vision as a series of key ambitions. Each ambition had equal importance.
These ambitions were to:
- increase the number and density of homes in the town centre
- support the hospital and college to drive innovation
- celebrate the town’s cultural offer
- strengthen and focus the retail centre
- improve the number and quality of public and green spaces
- make Yeovil easy to reach and safe, convenient and attractive to move around
- promote healthy lifestyles
- increase the range of things to do, so people spend more time in the centre
- create a mix of uses that support activity during the day and evening
- increase the number and range of job opportunities
What have we delivered
We have delivered a range of changes in the town centre to support the Yeovil Refresh programme. The work was grouped under three themes: public realm, transport and development. We have already completed the vast majority of the work, with some additional work planned.
In central streets, we have changed how people move around. These changes make it easier for pedestrians to use the space. We have improved public spaces at the Triangle which can be booked for events and activities and in The Borough we have enhanced the civic space. These areas can now support gatherings and public events.
We have changed central streets widening pavements making them accessible for all users. We have prioritised pedestrians while keeping some traffic routes through the town.
We have improved access to the town centre by road, bike and on foot. This included extending cycle routes along Hendford and enhancing South western Terrace. We updated the on and off street parking to deliver a range of parking options.
These changes have also supported better air quality by improving the transport network.