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Search the Public Notice PortalA public meeting over the future of a key Frome brownfield site has been confirmed by Somerset Council.
The council's executive agreed in late-January to sell the Saxonvale site to Mayday Saxonvale, which aims to deliver much-needed low-cost homes, commercial space and new leisure facilities in this location.
Nearly nine months on from this decision, Mayday Saxonvale has not been able to officially purchase the site from the council, due to struggles in securing the necessary finance from its partners.
The council has now confirmed its executive committee will meet in Frome before the end of October to discuss the status of the regeneration proposals and outline any next steps - which may include a contingency to sell the site on the open market.
This comes as Mayday Saxonvale announced a new board of directors to "guide the next phase of its ambitious plans" for the site.
The Mayday Saxonvale proposal includes the following elements:
- 263 homes, of which at least 30 per cent will be affordable (with a stretch target of 50 per cent)
- At least 10,000 sq m of commercial and community space, including an enterprise centre and a "community kitchen"
- A cultural centre within the 'western warehouse'
- A riverside park and children's play area
- Improved cycle links between the site and Vicarage Street
- The realignment of the A362 Garsdale roundabout and £246,000 towards improving the Gorehedge junction
- New public open spaces
- A hotel and spa
- A lido
- Nearly £828,000 for improving local schools
Following delays in securing finance through its initial funding partner, Mayday Saxonvale is developing an "alternative funding strategy", with the new board being a crucial part of the governance process.
Alongside executive directors Damon Moore and Paul Oster, the board includes mayor of Frome Anita Collier, town council engagement lead Hannah Stopford, Stevenage Borough Council regeneration manager Ross Hughes and Caroline Wajsblum, director of Frome Field 2 Fork.
The board will be chaired by Brigid Clarke, an environmental design and project management consultant and chartered accountant with extensive experience in community-led energy and development projects.
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Mr Oster said: "Establishing this non-executive board marks a milestone moment for Mayday.
"It strengthens our governance, demonstrates the breadth of professional and community expertise behind the project, and should give confidence to our investors and partners.
"Like many projects of this scale, we’ve faced delays with initial funding, but we are working intensively in a challenging investment market to put in place an alternative strategy.
"The board will be central to guiding us through that process and ensuring we deliver a development that Frome can be proud of."
Ms Clarke added: "Saxonvale represents an extraordinary opportunity for Frome, not only to deliver much-needed affordable homes and workspaces, but to do so in a way that is genuinely community-led.
"The formation of our board brings the experience and oversight to navigate the current funding challenges and keep the project moving forward.
"We aim to deliver a development that reflects the creativity, ambition, and values of our town, and this board will help make that vision a reality."
Somerset Council confirmed that a special meeting of its executive committee on the Saxonvale site would take place at Frome Town Hall on Friday, October 24 at 11am.
The agenda for the meeting will be published on the council's website, and the meeting will be live-streamed via Microsoft Teams for those unable to attend in person.
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