• Swindon & Wiltshire Property
• Friday August 29 2025

Work to bring vacant employment space back into use in Keynsham set to start

Work is set to start on the makeover of vacant ground floor units in the centre of Keynsham, bringing them back into employment use.

The units at Riverside Square and Temple Street, which are owned by Bath & North East Somerset Council, are being remodelled, refurbished and retrofitted with energy efficiency measures to create four new self-contained commercial units.

Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development, approved capital expenditure of £2.34 million to allow the project to proceed.

A £690,000 investment fund capital grant from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority will also support the delivery of project.

Bath & North East Somerset Council will appoint a contractor to carry out a six-month programme of works including major structural alternations to modernise the buildings and divide one into three units.

Councillor Roper said: “This is a fantastic regeneration opportunity to bring vacant council-owned space back into commercial use.

“The four self-contained units enable us to support local business growth, improve the vibrancy and appeal of the area and complement the town centre regeneration plans for Keynsham which we have worked on as a joint project with the town council.

“The scheme has received strong community support and we already have three tenants confirmed – a dance school, a pilates studio and a family soft play cafe, which will be a great boost to the health and wellbeing offer in Keynsham.”

The upper part of the units, four floors of residential accommodation, will remain in occupation during the work, and the contractors will work carefully to minimise disruption.

West of England mayor Helen Godwin said: “It’s fantastic to see this project moving forward in the heart of Keynsham. Breathing new life into the area will be a real boost to local businesses and help make the town centre an even better place to live, work, and visit.

“With the combined authority and councils working together, investing in what local communities need, this is another great example of how we can make a difference that people can see and feel across the West’s towns and high streets.”

The work is part of the Keynsham Town Centre Regeneration Action Plan, which looks to continue to improve the town centre, building on the successes of the High Street Heritage Action Zone and incorporating community feedback.

The project responds directly to public feedback calling for diversification of the high street, and there is strong support for the repurposing of vacant units.

The action plan aims to enhance the vitality and resilience of the high street through public realm improvements, refurbishment of vacant units, and shopfront enhancements. It also seeks to foster a vibrant community atmosphere by encouraging cultural events, markets, and additional community spaces.

The project is due to be completed by the end of the year.