Views of town sought on factory site regeneration

By MidsomerNorton People | Wednesday, April 07, 2010, 12:43

The views of the community are being sought on the regeneration of a former factory site in Midsomer Norton.

People are being asked to voice their thoughts at two public meetings that will reveal plans for housing and business development on the former Alcan site.

The land has been bought by the Galliford Try Group which wants to get a feeling of local opinion before development options are considered.

The events are being held of Friday, April 23, from 6pm to 8pm at the Alcan Mardon Social Club, Nightingale Way, on the former site, and on Saturday, April 24, from 10am to 3pm in the Methodist Church Hall on High Street. Project manager Andrew Godden said: "We are extremely excited by the opportunities this size of site presents, in terms of economic and environmental regeneration prospects for the area.

"Before we start looking at development options, we recognise that in-depth consultation with nearby residents, community groups and other local stakeholders is crucial.

"We hope to welcome as many people as possible to these events.

"Members of our project team will be on hand to answer any questions and, more importantly, listen to any views regarding the future development of this site."

Something else scheduled to take place later this month is the beginning of demolition works on a number of derelict industrial buildings.

A series of investigative site surveys have been undertaken to assess a range of environmental and access conditions.

The results of these surveys supported the removal of some of the buildings, largely due to concerns surrounding health and safety and general security of the site.

The former industrial buildings have not been used since the closure of Alcan in 2006.

The Alcan Mardon Social Club, which is also situated on the 11-acre site, will be remaining open during the work.

Mr Godden said the clearing work would take about six months to complete.

Nash Partnership and GL Hearn, from Bath, have been appointed by the Galliford Try Group to lead on development of proposals for the former printing and packaging site.

Nash Partnership will be leading on regeneration strategy, urban design, architectural work and stakeholder engagement, with GL Hearn acting as planning agent to coordinate Local Development Framework representations and submission of an application.

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Comments

Don't forget to go along and hear what's planned for the former Alcan factory site - The new owners want to hear your thoughts. Meeting 6-8 p.m. - Why not make a night of it, local band Johny's Day Out are performing later in the evening.

By OpticalDesign at 18:34 on 22/04/10
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I agree coopslad, we do need something more than pubs and takeaways and charity shops. It would be great to have a leisure complex with a bowling alley, and cinema and a few good restaurants as well. I for one would use it, as travelling in to Bath to see a movie can be a real pain.

By Desert Divas Ltd at 13:44 on 08/04/10
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So what does everyone here think should be done with the site? Personally, I think what Midsomer Norton needs most of all is an injection of things to do (apart from go drinking and grab a takeaway on the way home).
I would like to see the site used for new places to eat out, some new cafes, some small independent shops, perhaps a bowling alley, a CINEMA please too! Imagine how great that would be? Plus with the new cycle routes being set up it would be really accessible by bike or by walking.
What does everyone else reckon?

By coopslad at 12:29 on 08/04/10
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There has been a great deal of interest from the Social Club's members and visitors regarding the development of the site and the impact it may have on the Social Club. We would really encourage everyone to go along to these open presentations to hear what may be planned and to voice your opinions or any concerns you may have. With the new site owners keen to interact with the local community it would be a missed opportunity not to show an active interest.

By OpticalDesign at 09:51 on 08/04/10
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NB I think the dates are incorrect as the 22nd April is a Thursday and 23rd a Friday (St Georges Day)

Firstly, If this land is going to be used for more houses I'd like to know if there are any plans to build a new Doctors surgery and another school in the area? It should be noted that the development for the land by the cricket club in Midsomer Norton is going to put a strain on resources. They can't continue to build new homes and ignore the impact this will have on the community.

Secondly, every builder now has to build a set number of affordable homes, but these usually attract people from outside of the area. Can the developers guarantee that people within the local community are offered first refusal?

By BoxOffice1 at 15:17 on 07/04/10
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