Computer fly-through of Keynsham redevelopment project - residents invited

Local people in Keynsham are being invited by Bath & North East Somerset Council to see a computerised fly-through of the initial concept redevelopment scheme for the town centre on Tuesday February 22nd 2011.

It forms part of the Treasure and Transform Exhibition organised by Future Bath Plus and the Council. The Exhibition is being held at the Key Centre, Keynsham between 2pm – 7pm and will show visitors how the town has evolved over the years, to an area that is being transformed to meet the demands of the 21st century.

There will be opportunities for the public at 3pm and 5pm to see a presentation that will give:

1. An overview of the scale and nature of the development, including the different uses of the site;

2. The links between the project and the regeneration of the town;

3. A computerised fly-through which gives residents a taste what is possible with the size and layout available. The Exhibition boards will also contain pictures of the latest visual concepts throughout the day. They do not, at this stage, represent detailed designs or the materials that will be used.

The evening public talk at 7pm will contain presentations from Council Deputy Leader Malcolm Hanney, Strategic Director for Development and Major Projects John Betty, representation from other political groups on the Council, and the business community.

How to attend

To attend any of the presentations, members of the public are asked to call 01225 477696 or email treasure_transform@bathnes.gov.uk – people can also go to www.bathnes.gov.uk/treasureandtransform for more information.

A journey to prosperity

In addition to the redevelopment presentation, those attending the interactive exhibition and public talk will be able to see how the partnerships between the public and private sectors, for example the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership, the NHS/ Council Health & Wellbeing Partnership, partnerships between the statutory and voluntary / community sector will:

1. Help regenerate the local economy, including through the on-going Keynsham vision work being undertaken with the community including the redevelopment of the town centre that will include new retail units, an innovative one stop shop and library for people to access local services, new and improved public space, and new efficient Council office space.

2. The town centre development will be the catalyst for Keynsham’s regeneration, encouraging private sector investment. 

3. Confront economic, social, and environmental challenges – such as housing shortages – with clear and ambitious plans recognising the potential of the area;

4. Continue to invest in people and places to build a stronger economy and active participation in community life.

Build on the strong project track record of the development projects in Keynsham, such as the award winning St Keyna School, Charlton House Community Resource Centre for older and disabled people, and the Health Park to further improve the quality of life for local people.

Councillor Francine Haeberling, Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council, said, “The Council is building upon its excellent track record in Keynsham of completing projects that have helped change people’s lives for the better in recent years, such as new schools and care facilities, to now provide a regeneration project that will revitalise Keynsham.

“The Treasure and Transform exhibition is a fantastic opportunity for people to see initial ideas of what the town centre redevelopment could look like, although these will be subject to extensive consultation. The exhibition, presentations, and public talk will give an opportunity for local people to learn more about what the private sector and Council want to do next to transform the local economy and unlock new jobs and greater prosperity for Keynsham and the wider area.”

The public will get the chance to have their say about the design during two rounds of consultation on the project in July and September 2011 and comment to help shape the emerging proposals. The Council recognises the need to address the points raised by the public in relation to highways, parking and other issues and we will be developing plans in liaison with the community focus group to do so.