Shepton Mallet community gets first look at £800,000 Collett Park plans
By Laura Linham 30th Apr 2026
A first look has been revealed at designs for a new café and community space in Collett Park, Shepton Mallet.
Hayhurst & Co has been chosen by Shepton Mallet Town Council to design the £800,000 Collett Park Gateway project at the park's main Park Road entrance.
The scheme is set to bring a new café, modern public toilets, improved cycle facilities and storage for park maintenance.
The Bristol, Devon and London-based studio won a council-run design competition, ahead of an undisclosed shortlist.
The plans focus on the western gateway into Collett Park, the town centre green space which has served Shepton Mallet since 1906.
The council wants the entrance to become more welcoming, more accessible and better linked to active travel routes, including the extended Strawberry Line.
Hayhurst & Co's winning design draws on Shepton Mallet's historic character.
The studio said its approach was inspired by the town's Grade II-listed medieval shambles market stall, while also responding to the park's mature trees and landscape setting.
The existing toilet block would be repurposed to create a flexible space for the local community.
The project is also intended to support natural habitats in the park and encourage more activity throughout the year.
Shepton Mallet Town Council chair Dave Crisfield said Hayhurst & Co had presented a "thoughtful and imaginative response" to the brief.
He said the design combined respect for Collett Park's historic setting with a flexible, accessible and sustainable approach.
Hayhurst & Co director Jonathan Nicholls said the practice was "really excited" to have been appointed to design the new café and community space.
The scheme is targeting completion of RIBA Stage 3 design by autumn 2026.
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