A public consultation event is to take place in Wells this coming Saturday (8th June) to give local people the opportunity to influence the future of the Bishop’s Barn and the Recreation Ground.
The event, which will take place in Wells Market Place and at the Bishop’s Barn from 10am to 3pm, will give people the chance to have their say on the future management of the site and how they would like to see the facilities improved.
Working in partnership with the Somerset Building Preservation Trust, Mendip District Council has commissioned an options appraisal for the recreation ground which will assess what could be done to improve the site and make it more attractive to local residents and visitors to Wells. Wells City Council has also contributed to the project.
A commercially viable option is being sought, which improves the range of facilities, increases public use of and access to the site, especially the Bishop’s Barn, and improves the setting of the barn.
Architects Benjamin and Beauchamp have started work on the options appraisal and begun initial consultations with local groups including Wells Civic Society and Better Play Areas for Wells, plus local schools and sports clubs.
Chairman of the Wells Recreation Ground Trust Group, Cllr John North, said: “This is a great opportunity for the people of Wells and all users of the recreation ground and the Bishops Barn to have their say on how they would like to see the site improved.
“The recreation ground is a key site at the centre of the city and the council is keen to ensure it is used to its full potential.”
Cllr John Parham, portfolio holder for governance, assets and public spaces and vice-chair of the Group, said: “It is essential that local people play a central role in influencing the future improvements to this site, and I hope as many people as possible attend the consultation event on Saturday to have their say.”
Whatever the conclusions of the appraisal, the recreation ground will stay as open space for recreational use by the local community, in line with the original aims and objectives of the Wells Recreation Ground Trust.