BATH & North East Somerset Council has been successful in bidding for additional funding for the Market Square improvement project in Midsomer Norton.

Work started on the £2.39 million redevelopment of the town square in May which will eventually see it transformed into a flexible 1,000m² public space outside the town hall.

A new bus interchange on the High Street, which is part of the public realm scheme, is being supported by an additional £856,000 grant from the West of England Combined Authority.

The funding from the Mayoral Investment Fund includes £249,000 for the bus interchange which will enable new bus routes to access the high street. The interchange will have widened, accessible pavements and new bus shelters with real-time information displays.

The remaining £607,000 will support the completion of the Market Square at The Island, a 1,000sqm area that will become a flexible civic space to be used for community and commercial events of all sizes, as well as enhance the town centre.

The project is expected to be completed in early 2025 when events including outdoor markets are hoped to begin.

Residents are also being updated on the status of the works, which are progressing on site with the completion of new natural sandstone paving and granite kerbs on the north west side of The Island and the installation of heritage street lighting columns.

Engineering works to strengthen the 19th century River Somer culvert have also been completed.

Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development, said: “The Market Square scheme is transforming Midsomer Norton town centre and we are pleased to accept this additional funding to see it through to completion.

“It is also excellent news for people who travel by bus that the new interchange will include relocating the bus stops to a central position on the High Street, making them more convenient and accessible for everyone. Events in the new Market Square are already being planned for spring 2025 which will bring the space to life for the first time.”

West of England Mayor Dan Norris said: “I’m pleased to be supporting this project in Midsomer Norton. New bus infrastructure and civic spaces are exactly what our towns need, encouraging people not only to travel into their local town centres but also use the facilities while they’re there. I look forward to seeing this work completed in the New Year.”

The £2.39m Market Square scheme is part of the £3.7m Midsomer Norton High Street Regeneration Programme, which follows on from the High Street Heritage Action Zone project funded by Historic England, with funding and support provided by Historic England, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority through its ‘Love Our High Streets’ grant programme and Midsomer Norton Town Council.

The £856,000 funding from the Mayoral Investment Fund is already part of the £2.39m overall funding allocation. The decision to accept the funding can be viewed on the council website