Vacant Somerset shopping centre future up for debate as demolition begins

Yeovil residents are being asked for their views on the future of a town centre site as demolition on a vacant shopping centre gets under way. Somerset Council purchased the Glovers Walk shopping centre (which lies between Middle Street and the town's bus station) in late-September, using grants from the government's future high streets fund.

The council has begun demolition work behind the scenes at the site, with its chosen contractor disconnecting utilities and removing asbestos and other hazardous materials from the vacant buildings. Local residents are now being asked for what could replace the shopping centre, both in the short-term (known as the "meanwhile use") and further into the future.

The demolition of the shopping centre is expected to ramp up early in the new year, to prevent disruption to residents, businesses and visitors to the town over the Christmas period. The bus station will remain open throughout the demolition, with the passenger waiting room and accessible public toilets being reinstated following an agreement with bus station operators First Bus and South West Coaches.

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The demolition must be completed by the spring, since the deadline for spending the full future high streets grant is March 31, 2025. Councillor Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for economic development, planning and assets, said: "The Yeovil Refresh represents major investment in the town and the Glovers Walk site an exciting blank canvas at its heart.

"We don’t want to tell people what should go there, we want to know what local people, businesses and communities of Yeovil want to see - in the long-term and in that shorter meanwhile period. Most people would agree that Yeovil deserves better than it has at the moment, and this project is all about delivering that."

Local groups Love Yeovil and Yeovil Art Space are carrying out consultation through online surveys and in-person workshops, to generate ideas about the short-term use of the site and help to shape the long-term vision for the area. Initial suggestions put forward include the creation of new green space, pop-up space for events, and start-up units aimed at small local businesses.

In a joint statement, the two organisations said:" We are seeking your valuable input on the future of Glovers Walk, an area of Yeovil town centre that has been derelict for many years and is now set for redevelopment. Whether you walk through Glovers Walk regularly, or rarely visit the area, we want to hear from you.

"Your opinions will help shape the future of this space, ensuring it meets the social, economic, cultural, and environmental needs of our community."

The space's "meanwhile use" is likely to be in effect for the next three to five years, while the council agrees a long-term plan for the site (which will be partially funded by Homes England) and then seeks a development partner to implement it.

To take part in the consultation, visit www.yeovilartspace.uk/gloverswalk or email info@loveyeovil.com.