Decision details

As part of a joint project with Keynsham Town Council priority regeneration projects to improve the town centre have been identified. The Keynsham Riverside and Temple Street Vacant Units refurbishment is one of the priority projects and this decision seeks to approve the funding needed to implement the scheme.

(1)  To delegate approval to the Director of Sustainable Communities, in consultation with the s151 officer, to accept £690k Investment Fund capital grant from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority to support the delivery of the Keynsham Riverside Vacant Units Refurbishment.

(2)  To fully approve capital expenditure of £2.34m to deliver the Keynsham Riverside Vacant Units Refurbishment, to allow the project to proceed to delivery on site. Including the WECA grant above, the balance being from Council service supported borrowing from Commercial Estate Refurbishment, repayable from revenue income generated.

This decision brings a long-standing vacant unit back into productive use, responds to strong public support for more diverse high street offerings, and unlocks £690k in external funding. It also delivers economic, environmental, and community benefits aligned with Council priorities.

Alternative options such as doing nothing, selling the units, or reducing refurbishment specifications were rejected. The preferred option maximises grant funding, supports regeneration, and ensures long-term sustainability.