Shepton Mallet Town Board is asking local businesses, community groups and organisations to get involved as it works on a long-term regeneration plan for the town.

The board says Shepton needs a stronger and more coordinated voice to turn local priorities into deliverable projects. It says issues such as empty buildings, high street decline, reduced footfall, heritage at risk, public realm improvements, business support and funding cannot be solved by one organisation alone.

The project brings together Shepton Mallet Town Council, local businesses, community groups and local organisations. It is open to businesses, organisations and community groups in the civil parish of Shepton Mallet, but not to individual members.

The board's stated aim is to create a ten-year economic regeneration strategy for the town. That includes encouraging new business, supporting existing business and developing costed, "oven-ready" projects that could be put forward for major funding from government or other sources.

It also wants to be able to respond quickly when opportunity projects or funding chances arise. Supporters say Shepton has missed out on previous rounds of major government funding while neighbouring towns have benefited.

The board says the town now needs to prepare ambitious and fully costed proposals so it is ready when future investment becomes available. Its message is blunt: no one else will do it for Shepton.

Membership is open to any eligible business, organisation, community group or local organisation with an agreed constitution, such as charitable status, articles of association or a community group constitution.

Members will be able to elect directors with a proven track record in business or community leadership. The company says it will raise funds and hold assets to support its aims, with an ethos of action rather than just discussion.

Shepton Mallet Town Board is currently operating through Shepton Mallet Town Board Limited, a company limited by guarantee. It was incorporated on 6 May 2026 and has no shareholders, only members.

The liability of each member is limited to £1, and any profit generated by the company must be used to further its objects. An application for charitable status is being considered, but until that process is complete the Town Board should not be described as a registered charity.

The Town Board says it does not replace Shepton Mallet Town Council, Somerset Council, charities, businesses or community groups. Its role is to bring partners together around shared priorities and help turn ideas into realistic projects.

Its work will include identifying town-centre and economic regeneration priorities, raising funding for project development, coordinating work between public, private and community partners, and gathering evidence from residents, businesses and local organisations.

It also aims to support action on empty and underused buildings, promote Shepton Mallet's heritage, visitor economy and local enterprise, and publish updates, meeting notes and project priorities.

The board says it will not make planning decisions, replace statutory bodies, control Somerset Council services or guarantee funding for every proposed project. Instead, it says its role is to coordinate, support, gather evidence, advocate and help develop projects where there is a clear public benefit for Shepton Mallet.

Much of the practical work is expected to take place through smaller working groups focused on specific themes. A working group dedicated to tourism, visitor engagement and local attractions has already been established.

More working groups are expected as priorities emerge. Membership of those groups will remain flexible and open to organisations, businesses and community groups in Shepton Mallet, whether or not they are represented on the Town Board.

The board is asking local groups to follow the conversation, get involved and consider becoming members. More information is available from Shepton Mallet Town Board.

More local stories

• Clarks club seeks treasurer with community spirit
• Shepton Skate Jam returns for workshops and contests

Subscribe to the free Shepton Mallet Nub News newsletter Get the biggest Shepton Mallet stories straight to your inbox.