Now’s the time to make the town’s voice heard over Saxonvale plans

Following a successful public consultation last month, Acorn Property Group will present the initial development proposals for the regeneration of the Saxonvale site in Frome.

More than 600 people attended the first consultation to give their views and aspirations for the 10-acre former industrial site, which has helped shape the development plans.

The bespoke housebuilder signed a ‘sale and overage agreement’ with Mendip District Council (MDC) for the redevelopment of the site last autumn to enable the delivery of a high quality mixed-use scheme aimed at meeting local needs.

The second consultation will be held on the 15th and 16th February at The Silk Mill in Frome, after which Acorn will work with Nash architects to finalise plans for the site, with a view to submitting a planning application in spring 2019. 

The Saxonvale site has been derelict for 10 years and sits adjacent to the River Frome and a short walk to the High Street. It was bought by MDC earlier in 2018 in order to facilitate regeneration.

Robin Squire, regional managing director at Acorn’s Bristol office commented, “Hearing from such a large number and wide variety of local residents and stakeholders has been hugely useful. We’d like to thank all those who came along in January to let us know what they’d like to see delivered at Saxonvale.  The comments have helped us design our initial proposals and we are looking forward to further discussions on the future of this important town centre site.” 

MP for Frome David Warburton said, “It’s terrific to finally see some positive movement on the sustainable development of the Saxonvale plot which, I hope, will be able to properly reflect the personality and vibrancy of Frome. 

“It’s vital that the voice of Frome is heard in this consultation, and that we see something which is truly landscape-led, with green infrastructure throughout. There’s a huge opportunity now for real contemporary architecture to lead the way with, ideally, at least 100,000 square feet of commercial space for the engine of Frome’s enterprise, and giving its social, cultural and voluntary organisations the space they need. A covered market too would be a tremendous boost for Frome, and we need to hear all the ideas now as once the plans are submitted, things will be pretty much locked in. 

“So now’s the time to make the town’s voice heard and to make sure that this central location can be all it can be. I’m delighted so see the positive attitude towards this consultation – let’s make sure that people’s ideas are properly incorporated – what an opportunity!”

Commercial agents, Cushman and Wakefield, have been commissioned by Mendip District Council and Acorn Property Group to further develop the initial assessment of the commercial assessment for the Saxonvale site in Frome.

 Cushman and Wakefield are working with the support from key local stakeholders in relation to the call out for commercial requirements at the Saxonvale site and also working with key agents to circulate the information nationally.  The approach adopted is to ensure all potential commercial interest in the Saxonvale development is understood.

 Acorn Property Group will submit a planning application this spring for the regeneration scheme to provide up to 300 homes and commercial floor space.

 The commercial buildings will vary from 500sqft single floorplates up to 20,000sqft buildings accommodating space for workshops, office, food and beverage, retail, care and employment. The space will be available in various sizes, both new build and refurbishment.

If you are interested in the commercial space available at the Saxonvale site, please contact commercial agents Cushman & Wakefield to register your interest at saxonvale         commercial@acornpg.org.