AK Architects were approached for this important community masterplan scheme in Frome, Somerset. The existing brownfield site is being sought for a commercial development, which is being strongly resisted by the community. We therefore undertook to work alongside the Mayday Saxonvale team, who currently run the historic Silk Mill Studios on the site, as masterplanning partners to develop an alternative not for profit scheme.
This involved an organic working method, developing masterplanning principles across the different quarters of the site, which were fed back to the community on a monthly basis through a dynamic social media campaign during the Covid 19 Pandemic. This resulted in an open and engaging process, bringing refreshing alterative ideas, communicated with friendly and accessible images, of a community driven vision for the centre of Frome.
Community feedback has been positive and engaging demonstrating that when local people have a say in the development of their communities, they will choose social value, truly affordable housing for local people, local business start up units, strong environmental principles and public realm and amenities.