I was pleased to be asked to provide some comments on the Yeovil Conservation Area and proposed changes to its current boundary. Until studying the document I had not fully appreciated what a rich legacy Yeovil has in terms of historic buildings and associated landscape.

For example I wasn’t aware that Yeovil has over sixty Listed Building entries including the Grade 1 St Johns Church, two Grade11* large former gentry houses and other 18^th and early 19^th century former town houses and Victorian commercial buildings.

 

Alan Brown - Yeovil Vision Project Director

   Tony Fife - Portfolio Holder for Yeovil   Vision:-

   My favourite building is the HSBC building in Yeovil Town Centre.

   My least favourite is the current Police Station at Horsey Roundabout.

Derek Yeomans, Business Crime Reduction Team, Yeovil

    My favourite building is

St John's Church.

The Police Station is my least favourite.

We would be very interested to learn what is your favourite building in Yeovil old or modern and also conversely what is your least favourite building?

Email your nominations for Yeovil's favourite

and least favourite building to us:

My Nominations for the Yeovil Building survey are:

The district council is holding a consultation to ask local children and parents for their ideas on facilities, themes and even a name for the new playspace - which will replace and enlarge the existing play area at Yeovil Recreation Centre.

Robert Parr, South Somerset District Council’s Senior Play and Youth Officer explains, “We are aiming to design a one-of-a-kind play area using the imagination of local children and the practical knowledge of the parents who will take them there.

“The idea is to enhance the existing landscape through using natural play materials such as sand, water and plants, creating a place where children can test their boundaries and play freely outdoors. At the moment it could be based on any theme - from Pirates to the Jungle - and we want to hear from as many people as possible.”

The playspace - which is separate to the council’s plans for a sports zone at the recreation ground - will be designed by award-winning landscape design company Parklife Ltd, who will be visiting local primary schools, secondary schools and events to encourage children to brainstorm ideas for the project through hands-on activities and assemblies.

An online survey has been set up at www.southsomerset.gov.uk/flagship and residents have until Friday 27 June to have their say. Paper copies of the survey are available from council offices or by calling 01935 462462.

Cllr Sylvia Seal, South Somerset District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Well Being said, “This is a fantastic opportunity for people to have their say on their most imaginative ideas for play and leisure. We are very fortunate to have secured the funding to provide what will be an exciting and unique play area for local children and families to enjoy.”

The ‘Flagship Playspace’ project is due to be built by July 2009 after funding was secured from the Big Lottery Fund and the Yeovil Vision.

Click the link for information on the Flagship Play Space Consultation Evening Yeovil Sports Ground Partnership Newsletter

Plans for the proposed re-development for Foundry House and the Mill Lane site were open for public display at the Yeovil Vision office, 80 South Street on Tuesday 13th May between 2pm and 7pm.

The exhibition presented by Cornhill Estates in association with Zero C and Ecos Trust, formed part of the plans for community involvement. Feed back from the exhibition, which was well attended, will accompany the future planning application which hopefully will be submitted in the next month.

For anyone who missed the full exhibition - a limited display is available to view by appointment via the Yeovil Vision Team. Please email your request to:-

Foundry House Viewing. 

Further details of the proposals for the site can be viewed on the Foundry House Project page.

A site of 1.186 acres incorporating Foundry House, a vacant 3 storey listed building has been earmarked by Yeovil Vision for priority development within Yeovil Town Centre.

Following site marketing, South Somerset District Council have accepted a bid submitted by Cornhill Estates to develop the site.

Key elements of the design will see Foundry House sympathetically restored within a high quality mixed-use development, and improved links into the Country Park. SSDC Officers are confident that work on the site can begin late 2008 for completion early in 2010.

Alan Brown, Yeovil Vision Projects Director said, “We are delighted to have selected Cornhill Estates to take forward the regeneration of this high profile Grade 2 listed building and site. This is the first of many exciting schemes for Yeovil.”

Kim Slowe, Managing Director, Cornhill Estates said, “We have committed to delivering a scheme that has individuality, sustainability, and attention to detail at its heart”.

Since Yeovil Vision’s formation in September 2006 a number of exciting projects have commenced including plans to regenerate the Town’s Cattle Market Site and proposals for a major Sports Complex. A wide range of flagship regeneration projects will take in place in Yeovil, over the next 15 years.

Alan Brown, Projects Director for the Vision explained ‘The Vision has entered into an exciting dynamic stage of project delivery and it was time to bring the website up-to-date to reflect this. The new design will make it very easy for local people, developers and partners to keep abreast of development activity. At a glance, visitors will be able to see where the projects are, the development plans, project schedules, and how local communities will benefit. Project information will be updated to reflect latest status and feedback on individual projects will be encouraged. We are very happy to have appointed SSI Web to help us deliver our improved website. They are a Yeovil based company with 10 years’ experience, and have already contributed ideas and suggestions to ensure that our site communicates effectively to all sectors of the community.’

A small launch site is planned to go live by the end of January 2008, with further pages added throughout the Spring. For further information please visit www.yeovilvision.co.uk

This was the excellent opportunity for Chamber Members and guests to find out more about the Vision’s current projects, plans for the future, and the important role it plays in ensuring the town continues to thrive as a regional economic driving force. Following the presentation Alan, together with Simon Gale and David Norris from South Somerset Council’s Planning Department, conducted a question and answer session on some of the 20 Vision projects, which span mixed-use, sport, leisure, and highways developments.

The ‘Team Yeovil’ approach to developments was stressed, showing how the Vision works closely with a full range of public and private sector partners to achieve its objectives. If your group would like Alan to present on the Progress of Yeovil Vision, please contact the Yeovil Vision Office on 01935 462669.