Shepton Mallet Town Council has given the green light to a series of significant upgrades for Collett Park, continuing their efforts to improve local amenities for residents.

The new plans, which build on previous developments, aim to enhance accessibility and transform the park into a hub for walkers and cyclists, while providing much-needed green infrastructure.

This next phase of the project will include the installation of fully accessible toilets, including baby changing facilities and a changing place unit, along with new and improved cycle paths that will link the south of Shepton Mallet to the town centre and further afield towards Wells. A safer and more welcoming entrance to the park is also planned, along with the construction of a multipurpose building that will house a café, indoor seating for community events, and covered outdoor seating for year-round use.

The improvements aim to make Collett Park more inclusive and accessible, while also supporting the health and wellbeing of residents by encouraging interaction with nature. The council hopes that by enhancing the park's facilities, the economic benefits will extend into the town by increasing footfall throughout the year.

In the coming years, Collett Park will serve as the starting point for an ambitious off-road multi-use path, which will eventually link Shepton Mallet to Wells and potentially as far as the Somerset coast. The recent installation of the new bridge in West Shepton and the opening of Millennium Way under Cannards Grave Road are the first steps in this long-term vision to establish the town and Collett Park as a hub for walking and cycling.

Town Councillor Garfield Kennedy said: "Collett Park is the jewel in Shepton's crown that the Council is committed to maintaining to the highest standard. The first stage in that process has been achieved with the creation of the immensely popular new play equipment. Having accessible, modern facilities that are free to use are vital in any community and making our park fit and welcoming for the next 100 years is our aim."

Collett Park, originally donated to the people of Shepton Mallet by John Kyte Collett, is managed by the Collett Park Charity, which the Town Council oversees.

The proposed improvements are expected to cost between £700,000 and £900,000, with funding coming from a mix of the council's precept and a Public Works loan. The council and the charity will also seek external funding through grants and donations. Income from leasing the café space is expected to help offset the overall cost to taxpayers.

The next step in the project will see the appointment of a Design Team to create architectural plans and visual representations of the upgraded space. Another phase of public consultation is planned, giving residents the opportunity to provide input on the development.