Temple Street improvement works to start in Keynsham

Residents and businesses in Keynsham are being reminded that works to enhance Temple Street will start from the week beginning 9 January. 

The project being carried out by Bath & North East Somerset Council aims to improve the street for everyone who lives in, works in or visits the area and includes natural stone pavements on the historic side of the street, planting, seating, cycle parking and better disabled parking.

The council is notifying residents and businesses that there will be no parking on either side of the road from number 30 to number 52 Temple Street for the duration of the works, except on an ad-hoc basis as works allow. Car Parking is available at the nearby Civic Centre Car Park, Ashton Way Car Park or Bath Hill East Car Park.

Traffic will be able to pass through in both directions along Temple Street, with one carriageway lane open and temporary traffic lights in place to filter traffic through.
The works are expected to be completed in May 2023 subject to in-ground findings, drainage repairs, material delivery times and is dependent on the weather, including temperatures required for materials to be laid and set. Full details can be found on the Temple Street Improvement Project page.

Consultation feedback gathered in autumn 2021 informed changes to the original proposed concept design. The updated detailed design retains more car parking spaces and features greenery. New cycle parking, planters and temporary parklets will be installed on the Riverside development side of the street.

The refurbishment of No. 2 River Terrace, to bring it back into use as a community arts and local business space, will also be completed this month. The first activities planned for the space are artist led, young people and family creative workshops about high street signage and designing shopfronts.

More information about this and how the space can be used will be provided later in the month on the Hi Keynsham partnership website.

There will also be a new online Keynsham Business Directory and ‘shop local’ style campaign in partnership with Keynsham Town Council to promote the area and support local businesses.

Councillor Mark Roper, cabinet member for Economic Development, Regeneration and Growth, said: “We apologise for any inconvenience during these works, which have been scheduled to avoid the festive period and are being completed in phases to minimise disruption. I’m looking forward to seeing the improvements make Temple Street an even more inviting place to spend time and encourage trade for local businesses."

“We encourage people to keep an eye on the Temple Street Improvement Project page on the Hi Keynsham website which will be updated regularly with progress on the works, updates and estimated timescales.”

The Temple Street Improvement Project is part of Keynsham High Street Heritage Action Zone Programme (HS HAZ) a heritage-led renewal programme that aims to continue to make Keynsham High Street a more vibrant place for residents, businesses and visitors. The project is funded by Historic England with match funding from Bath & North East Somerset Council and Keynsham Town Council.

The changes to car parking consists of two large bays being altered on the east side of the street to introduce additional seating and greening. These are being installed on a trial basis before the council decides whether to seek further funding to make the changes permanent.

In addition, on the west side of the street approximately 8.4m of parking will be altered to extend the size of disabled car parking bays, making them compliant with modern standards, and for preparation works to be carried out for a new pedestrian crossing to be installed as part of a future phase.

The works will be carried out by the council’s highways contractor Volker.
Anyone with questions or comments about Keynsham HSHAZ can email KeynshamHSHAZ@Bathnes.gov.uk or write to Keynsham HS HAZ Project Team at the Keynsham Town Council Office, 15-17 Temple Street, Keynsham, BS31 1HA.