Keynsham residents asked for views on improving Temple Street

Concept design proposals to make Temple Street more attractive and enhance its historic identity have been released as part of the Keynsham Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) Programme, with Keynsham residents being asked for their feedback.

Landscape architects Macgregor Smith have worked with the project partners and members of the local community to create the proposals for Temple Street which will now go out to public consultation.

The £1.1m four-year project to improve the town’s Conservation Area is being delivered in partnership between Bath & North East Somerset Council, Historic England and Keynsham Town Council.

Cllr Richard Samuel, deputy leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council 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.’

Cllr Andy Wait, chair of Keynsham Town Council, added: ‘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 six-week consultation runs until 22 November, with drop-in sessions and physical and virtual meetings planned for residents, businesses and community groups to provide feedback on the plans.

More information about the plans for Temple Street can be found here.

In related news, community-led ideas for enhancing parks and green spaces to help improve health and wellbeing in Bristol are being sought through the new Future Parks project.

Photo supplied by Bath & North East Somerset