Questions were today asked of Mendip District Council regarding a recent Levelling Up Fund and a proposal for a potential feasibility study around the Western Warehouse, they commented:
‘The Western Warehouse is an important element of the non-residential content of the project, all of which will be planned and occupied to maximise the placemaking potential that the scheme offers. The range of commercial and community uses that might be appropriate is being explored by Acorn, as they work on the detailed stages of the planning application, with a view to adding vitality to the scheme.
Acorn, with support from Mendip District Council, has invited Frome Town Council to put forward a proposal for a possible community and cultural offer for the Western Warehouse. Frome Town Council has applied for grant funding which is in part to undertake a feasibility study for options on future use. This will be part of a larger mixed-use regeneration of the site which already benefits from outline planning consent and public ownership. In terms of any Levelling Up Bids, we await Government guidance expected later in the year and are working collaboratively across the Parliamentary Constituencies to develop proposals as more information becomes available’.
Leader of Frome Town Council, Andy Palmer added: “We are excited that there is an opportunity to undertake some work on behalf of the community to explore how this important set of historic buildings can be brought forward for community and cultural use. Subject to confirmation of Government funding that has been applied for, we will start on this feasibility study as soon as possible and will be engaging the community as part of this work. We have already advertised the opportunity for architectural teams to tender – details can be found at: https://www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/council/frome-town-council/contracts-and-tenders/ “
