EMPTY units in Keynsham town centre are to be revamped to bring them back into use.
A dance school, a Pilates studio and a soft play café have already been confirmed as tenants.
The properties at Riverside Square and Temple Street, which are owned by Bath and North East Somerset Council, are being remodelled, refurbished and fitted with energy-efficiency measures to create four new self-contained commercial units.
Councillor Paul Roper, cabinet member for economic and cultural sustainable development, approved capital expenditure of £2.34 million to allow the project to proceed.
A £690,000 Investment Fund capital grant from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority will also support the delivery of project.
B&NES Council will appoint a contractor to carry out a six-month programme of works, including major structural alternations, to modernise the buildings and divide one unit into three.
Councillor Paul Roper said: “This is a fantastic regeneration opportunity to bring vacant council-owned space back into commercial use.
“The four self-contained units enable us to support local business growth, improve the vibrancy and appeal of the area and complement the town centre regeneration plans for Keynsham, which we have worked on as a joint project with the town council.
“The scheme has received strong community support and we already have three tenants confirmed – a dance school, a Pilates studio and a family soft play café – which will be a great boost to the health and wellbeing offer in Keynsham.”
The upper part of the units, four floors of residential accommodation, will remain in occupation during the work, and the contractors will work to minimise disruption.
Helen Godwin, the Mayor of the West of England, said: “It’s fantastic to see this project moving forward in the heart of Keynsham. Breathing new life into the area will be a real boost to local businesses and help make the town centre an even better place to live, work, and visit.
“With the combined authority and councils working together, investing in what local communities need, this is another great example of how we can make a difference that people can see and feel across the West’s towns and high streets.”
The project is due to be completed by the end of the year. Anyone interested in finding out more about the last available unit is asked to Carter Jonas on 01225 747261.
The work is part of the Keynsham Town Centre Regeneration Action Plan, which looks to continue to improve the town centre.
New life for empty Keynsham town centre units
