River scoop for people and nature

From "Share your ideas for Market Yard"

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A few years ago there was a scheme to create a better connection between the town and the canalised river, creating a ramp and steps down to the river between the Westway bridge and Button bridge, to form an amphitheatre with a deck at river level. It even had Environment Agency approval, and only loses about 6 parking spaces as this area is so badly planned at the moment. As it's south facing, it would make a great area for people to sit for a snack, gather for performances, or for short river boat trips to Saxonvale! It would make a great green lung to counterbalance the sea of tarmac in the carpark.

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Profile of Bill Lowe

Posted by:Bill Lowe

1 week ago

Great idea, Ric. It will probably need an income generator to fund the lease of Somerset Council's car park land. 40 years ago, when I was the Planning Officer, someone wanted to put a restaurant boat in this location on the river. Maybe that idea's time has come. I have always been surprised that there is no attractive south facing winter sitting out area in Frome apart from the Blue House garden.

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Profile of Richard Swann

Posted by:Richard Swann

1 week ago

@Bill Lowe yes, significant capital cost in excavation and loss of some parking revenue. However it shouldn’t need much maintenance, and could incorporate a cafe, sandwich shop, tea pavilion or take-out.