Transforming brownfield land is about more than bringing vacant sites back into use. It is an opportunity to celebrate their history and create neighbourhoods that strengthen the social, economic and environmental fabric of a town.
We were commissioned by Acorn Property Group to prepare a masterplan for the regeneration of the 5.13-hectare Saxonvale site in the heart of Frome. Outline planning permission was secured for a mixed-use neighbourhood of up to 300 homes alongside new commercial, cultural and public spaces.
The challenge
Saxonvale occupies a strategically important site immediately adjacent to Frome town centre. Despite its rich industrial heritage, including the Grade II listed Silk Mill, the area had remained vacant and underused for many years, creating a physical and visual disconnect between the town centre and the River Frome.
The challenge was to create a masterplan that responded to the climate emergency while respecting the site’s industrial character and integrating seamlessly with the existing town. The proposals needed to accommodate a mix of homes, employment, leisure and cultural uses, improve connectivity, respond to flood risk and biodiversity, and establish a robust framework capable of being delivered over multiple phases.
The project also attracted significant public interest, making meaningful engagement with residents, stakeholders and local organisations essential to developing a shared vision for the site’s future.
Our response
Our masterplan creates a new mixed-use neighbourhood centred on distinctive character areas – Hillside, Parkside and West Saxonvale – with each contributing to a varied and legible urban environment. A set of design principles was established at the outset to guide every stage of the project, ensuring quality and consistency throughout.
The proposals include up to 300 contemporary homes, including live/work properties, alongside a commercial and cultural quarter focused around a new public square that celebrates the restored listed Silk Mill. Retail, cafés and flexible commercial spaces are integrated with new homes to encourage activity throughout the day and strengthen Frome’s local economy.
The masterplan reconnects the site with the wider town through improved walking and cycling routes, a new riverside park and a new footbridge across the River Frome. This creates stronger links between neighbourhoods and the town centre. Nature is woven throughout the development, supporting biodiversity, wellbeing and climate resilience.
Outcome
The proposals achieved planning approval and show how an underused industrial area can be transformed into a vibrant extension of the town centre, combining new homes, employment, culture and green spaces while celebrating Saxonvale’s unique heritage.