Opportunities and Projects to regenerate the Town Centre
The former Mendip District Council appointed consultants LUC to develop a masterplan for Shepton Mallet town centre.
The masterplan will support future funding bids for high street, heritage and infrastructure projects. It will also inform planning policy and design briefs.
It will help guide how we use council-owned land and buildings. It will support local economic recovery and attract private investment.
The masterplan sets out projects to improve:
- accessibility and movement,
- the quality of open and public space
- appearance of buildings and infrastructure
Stage 1 - Baseline report
The baseline report, published in July 2021, sets out the background to the masterplan. It also reviews current strategies and the key challenges facing Shepton Mallet.
The report identifies five main objectives for the town:
- reimagine the high street
- create spaces where people can meet and take part in community life
- improve connections across the town centre, including wayfinding and routes for pedestrians and cyclists
- attract more visitors and investment, and support jobs
- create resilient spaces, including green networks
- Baseline report – Chapters 1 to 5 [9.22MB] (Background and objectives 1 and 2)
- Baseline report – Chapters 6 to 11 [12.43MB] (Objectives 3 to 5, review of ongoing initiatives and examples of best practice from other towns)
Stage 2 - Detailed Assessment
These reports assess the town centre in more detail (looking at strengths, weaknesses and opportunities):
- Townscape and heritage assessment – Detailed Assessment Report Chapters 1 to 3
- Sustainable transport – Detailed Assessment Report Chapter 4
- Local economic conditions – Detailed Assessment Report Chapters 5 to 7 and Appendices
Stage 3 - Consultation on Opportunities (October 2021)
We used the baseline and detailed reports to identify a range of projects and opportunities across the town centre.
We carried out consultation on a long list of options and areas in October 2021.
We also developed proposals through discussions with Shepton Town Council, local businesses and landowners.
View the consultation output report.
Stage 4 - Final Masterplan and shortlist of projects (May 2022)
Nine concept projects have been developed in more detail. They focus on the public realm, walking and cycling links, and greening the town centre.
These projects show both short-term and long-term ideas for Shepton Mallet town centre.
Levelling Up Fund - Round 2
The council will use the masterplan to support funding bids to the government’s Levelling Up Fund.
Bids are made by parliamentary constituency and focus on three themes:
- small transport projects that improve local areas
- town centre and high street regeneration
- support for cultural and heritage assets