A £2.39m project to create a flexible public space in the heart of Midsomer Norton town centre with an accessible bus interchange has this week been completed.

The 10-month regeneration scheme by Bath & North East Somerset Council has seen the creation of a high-quality new look town ‘square’.

The improvements to the layout of The Island means this historic area can once again be used flexibly, catering for everyday use and for a range of markets and events. The bus stop improvements accommodate a greater number of routes stopping on the High Street with wider pavements, new bus shelters and real-time information.

The first event to take place in the new market square was the Midsomer Norton Wassail on February 1, organised by Somer Valley Rediscovered. The council will be working with community groups and local market operators to pilot an exciting programme of events in the space over the next 18 months.

The final piece of the scheme is the bespoke curved bench which will be installed in spring, on top of the white lias wall.

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 grant funded by Historic England. Additional funding and support was provided by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority through its ‘Love Our High Streets’ grant programme and Midsomer Norton Town Council.

Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development, said: “It’s wonderful to see the completion of the new Market Square which has modernised the layout of The Island and created a multi-purpose community space in the heart of the town.

“The first event in the Square has already taken place with the annual Wassail and we are working with local organisations to bring back markets and other vibrant community events in the future. Supported by a more convenient and accessible bus stop interchange, we hope the scheme will encourage more people to shop, socialise and visit the town centre.”

Councillor Martyn Plant, Mayor of Midsomer Norton, said: “This is a historic moment for our town. A major part of this scheme has been the strengthening of an underground channel, originally constructed in Victorian times to enclose the river and make space for cattle markets.

“It’s brilliant to see this important piece of infrastructure reinstated so the square can be brought back to its former glory.”

A number of locals have also welcomed the new look Island, Jackie Cross, who works at the Dog Lover and Coffee shop, said: "I think it looks a lot better. We're waiting for the market to come, because I think that will be great for this end of the town.

“We had some people come in the other day and they didn't know we were here. Because it was caged in, you couldn't really see the shop. So it did dramatically change our business.

"It did take a long time to do, and we have heard that things weren't quite right.”