Fate of fire ravaged Saxonvale to be decided after summer
The site was badly damaged by a blaze yesterday
Frome residents will learn by the end of the summer whether local efforts to redevelop the Saxonvale site in the town centre will be taken forward.
Mayday Saxonvale has been seeking for some time to implement its vision for the brownfield site, which includes more than 260 homes, commercial space, a cultural centre and a lido.
Attempts to redevelop the site have been subject to numerous delays, with Somerset Council’s executive committee voting in late-October 2025 to put the land on the open market in the spring of 2026 after Mayday Saxonvale struggled to come up with the necessary funds to acquire it.
Mayday Saxonvale, backed by central government funding, launched a community share scheme in early-January giving local residents a chance to part own the site when it officially goes up for sale.
With more than £380,000 already secured from this share offer (on top of £1.2m from the Resonance community developers fund, backed by central government), Mayday Saxonvale has confirmed it will formally submit its bid for the sale before the deadline of July 9 – with the final ruling being expected within three months.
The confirmation of this deadline came mere hours before a fire destroyed one of the largest buildings within the site – with the cause currently being investigated by the fire service.
The Mayday Saxonvale proposal includes the following elements:
263 homes, of which at least 30 per cent will be affordable (with a stretch target of 50 per cent)
At least 10,000 sq m of commercial and community space, including an enterprise centre and a “community kitchen”
A cultural centre within the ‘western warehouse’
A riverside park and children’s play area
Improved cycle links between the site and Vicarage Street
The realignment of the A362 Garsdale roundabout and £246,000 towards improving the Gorehedge junction
New public open spaces
A hotel and spa
A lido
Nearly £828,000 for improving local schools
More than 450 people have already invested money in the Mayday Saxonvale Community Benefit Society, with the group now finalising its funding options for the bid with Resonance and its development partner Stories.
Benefit Society chair Brigid Clark said: “Even though the bid submission date falls before our community share offer closes, we’ll continue to maximise community investment and work with our partners to explore every opportunity to put forward the strongest possible proposal.
“Between now and July 8, every investment puts us in a stronger position as we prepare our bid to Somerset Council.
“So, if you’ve been thinking about investing, please do it now. If you’ve already invested, ask at least one more person to join you.
“If you’re unable to invest, you can still play a vital part. Share the campaign.
“Tell people why this matters. One conversation really can make the difference.
“Frome, this is the moment we can show what our town is capable of.”
To invest as little as £250 in the share offer, or for more information on the Mayday Saxonvale project, visit www.maydaysaxonvale.co.uk.
Mayday Saxonvale director Paul Oster added: “We’re working closely with Stories and Resonance to evaluate the options available to us and put forward a competitive bid for the site.
“The level of community investment is such a powerful part of that proposition because it demonstrates genuine local commitment alongside a robust commercial and financial strategy.
“What makes our proposal different is that it doesn’t just offer a competitive financial proposition. It will also deliver long-term economic, social and environmental value for Frome.
“The long-term value created at Saxonvale would stay rooted in Frome, rather than being extracted for private profit.”
If Mayday’s bid is not accepted, investment applications are returned, subject to any applicable payment processing fees.
Fire crews responded to a severe fire within the Saxonvale site on Wednesday afternoon (July 1), with Frome residents being advised to remain in their homes due to the large quantities of smoke emanating from the site.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service stated on Thursday morning (July 2) that an investigation into the cause of the fire was still ongoing, with investigators working with Avon and Somerset Constabulary.
A spokesperson said: “The building was 80 per cent damaged by fire and 100 per cent damaged by smoke. The roof of the building collapsed during the fire.
“The cause of the fire is still being investigated. Police were also in attendance overnight.”