Improvement Work set to Begin on Former Cox’s Mill Site in Cheddar

Improvement work is due to start on the former Cox’s Mill site in Cheddar on Monday 15 September, it has been announced.

The area owned by Longleat Estates, which is opposite Cheddar Gorge & Caves, will be transformed into a multi-functional space and the parking areas will be enhanced.

The phased work is due to be completed by mid-October in time for the busy periods of half term and Christmas.

David Leverett, Longleat’s new development director, said: “We are pleased to confirm the improvement work is starting shortly and will be completed within a few weeks.

“The mill was demolished after falling into disrepair and it had become a safety risk; the aim was always to enhance the lower gorge and the views; however, the project was impacted by  the post-pandemic disruption to the construction supply chain.

“We do recognise it has taken longer than we initially hoped to create an area of which we can all be proud and we are grateful for the patience and understanding of local people who we know are as keen as we are to see improvements to this area.”

Fenia Vitali, General Manager at Cheddar Gorge & Caves, added: “We have deliberately planned the work in phases to ensure a minimal impact on the community.

“Once completed this area will improve the views as well as being of benefit to the community and the many visitors who come to the village, to the caves and the local shops by creating a pleasant space to walk through.

“We are also ensuring there are cycle racks installed to promote sustainable travel and have begun to explore future options.

“In time it may be possible to hold events in the space. We are also hoping to introduce EV-charging points for community use although this won’t be part of the work starting later this month.”

The phasing will mean there will be no loss of car parking spaces, so local businesses are not impacted.

In phase one, the mill’s footprint will be cleared and a multi-functional space protected by bollards created; phase two will focus on improvements to the car park at the back of the site and lastly the front area parking spaces will be improved.

Car park permit owners will be able to use any of the spaces during the improvement works.