Windfall Running track and arts hub set for town

ANEW running track and arts hub could be created in Nailsea as the council looks at how to spend a multi-million-pound windfall.

The plans form a number of projects that have been shortlisted to go forward for further investigation by Nailsea Town Council.

Nailsea Town Council received a cash windfall of nearly £1.6 million as a result of the sale of land at Engine Lane for housing – with further payments also due.

It has also received £183,000 of cash from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) – money also paid to local authorities by developers.

The Ask Nailsea consultation was launched earlier this year to ask people for ideas on what the money should be spent on.

A number of suggestions have now been shortlisted including a new arts and culture hub with a 250 seat theatre, art studio and rooms for dance classes and other activities such as choir rehearsals.

Also being taken forward are plans to create a new nature reserve in the town on an area of floodplain which would be purchased by the town council. Other initiatives include launching a new electric bus service for the town, working in partnership with Nailsea and District Community Transport.

Other proposals which will now undergo further investigation include a new running track in the town, potentially at Millennium Park with a signpost run route to other areas including Nowhere Woods. Further discussion will also take place on a vision to provide a new all weather pitch – expected to cost in the region of £900,000 – either at Nailsea School or another location in the town such as The Grove or Millennium Park.

There is also a vision to provide a new multi use games area and additional sporting pitches for clubs in the town. Nailsea Town Council clerk Jo Duffy said: “These shortlisted ideas will now be taken forward for further discussion and feasibility studies.

“Some of them are short term objectives while others may be achievable in the longer term. We will be talking to other organisations such as North Somerset Council and local schools and groups to see ways in which they can be brought to fruition.

“These are all tangible projects which the town council feel would have real benefits to Nailsea. There are other shortlisted ideas which have yet to be discussed and taken forward.”