Shepton Mallet Town Council has kicked off the search for a design team to lead a major £800,000 transformation of the western entrance to Collett Park – a project set to reshape one of the town's most important public spaces.

The council wants architects and designers to reimagine the Park Road gateway and deliver a modern café, upgraded public toilets, better cycle facilities and new storage for park maintenance. The brief promises a "fresh and exciting contribution to the town" and stresses that the gateway must be inclusive, sustainable and ready for the growing number of people now using the park.

In its call-out for bids, the council said the project offers a chance to overhaul the arrival experience at the historic 1906 park, which sits at the heart of Shepton Mallet. The aim is to boost year-round footfall, support wider regeneration and create a welcoming space that links seamlessly with surrounding routes, including the expanding Strawberry Line active-travel corridor.

The upgrade will also deliver an expanded kiosk with outdoor seating and a new community room – two key elements expected to increase the park's role as a meeting point for residents, families and visitors.

Shepton Mallet, a market town of around 10,000 people and just a short drive from the Glastonbury Festival site, has seen rising visitor numbers in recent years. The council says the gateway improvements will help future-proof the park and provide facilities that match demand.

The procurement will run in two stages, with a target of completing RIBA Stage 3 design by autumn 2026. Applicants will be judged 40 per cent on experience, 40 per cent on capability and 20 per cent on suitability. Teams must hold £5 million in employer's liability, public liability and professional indemnity insurance.

Up to four teams will make it through to stage two, which includes an interview, fee proposal and a 20-page design approach. Final scores will be weighted 70 per cent on quality and 30 per cent on price.

Applications close at midday on 9 January 2026. Further details are available via the government's Find a Tender portal.

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