Regeneration Signs of progress in bid to revive town - but some have heard it all before...

MAJOR works are continuing in Kingswood to "shape its future" and revive the rundown town centre.

- Sophie GRUBB

But this is far from the first time residents have been promised regeneration.

The latest plans emerged back in 2020 for a £25 million transformation of the town centre, which set out ambitions to improve Regent Street, restore the Whitfield Tabernacle, create a new public open space and improve key attractions like Kings Chase Shopping Centre and Kingswood Park.

Today the town has been named among the best affordable options for Bristol house buyers, praised by one estate agent for offering a strong community feel with a vibrant high street and good green spaces. However, some long-term residents would be forgiven for being less optimistic about its up-and-coming potential.

Some will remember similar ambitions for the town from decades ago, echoing the need for a new lease of life to bring more people into shops and tackle congestion. A report from the Post, dated August 1997, reported: "People in Kingswood have voted for a massive revamp of the town centre.