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Key Towns

There are four main towns in North Somerset - Clevedon, Nailsea, Portishead and Weston-super-Mare, along with numerous villages.

Clevedon

Clevedon is a coastal town with stunning views across the Bristol Channel to Wales.  It has a population of over 21,000 and is located close to Junction 20 of the M5 motorway. Bristol city centre is situated approximately 13 miles to the east, and is easily accessible.  Clevedon is also well situated for business, with easy access to both the M5 and M4. The main business and trading estates are Hither Green Trading Estate, Tweed Road Industrial Area, 5C Business Centre and Kenn Road Business Park. In addition, approximately eight hectares on Kenn Road has been allocated

The town also features Victorian architecture and the only grade 1 listed Pier in England once described by Sir John Betjeman as “The most beautiful pier in England”, and the star of One Direction’s award-winning video “You and I” in 2015.  Clevedon also doubled as the seaside town of Broadchurch in the ITV series of the same name.

Clevedon’s Neighbourhood Plan

Clevedon

Nailsea

Nailsea

With a population of nearly 16,000, Nailsea is surrounded by beautiful countryside yet is located within 10 miles of Bristol city centre.

As a business location Nailsea is conveniently placed for access to Bristol Airport. From Nailsea and Backwell railway station Bristol is only a ten-minute train journey, and London is approximately two hours. There is also a cycle path to Bristol – Festival Way runs via Flax Bourton and includes a new traffic-free section between Ashton Court and Long Ashton.

Nailsea became famous for producing glassware during the 18th and 19th centuries, and today a bronze statue of a glassblower is situated next to the former glassworks. More recently, Nailsea has benefited from its broad industrial base with a number of manufacturing and distribution businesses relocating to the town, including such companies as GE Oil and Gas (formerly Vetco Gray) and Brabantia.

Nailsea Town Council’s Vision

Portishead

The coastal town of Portishead has a population of 25,000 and is situated on the Bristol Channel coast, with its former docks now the centre of an award-winning 325 berth Marina. The town has grown significantly in recent years through a mixture of residential and commercial development and is located close to Junction 19 of the M5 motorway and within 10 miles of Bristol city centre.

Portishead is a good business location offering links to the Midlands, London and the South West due to its close proximity to the M5 and M4. It is also a very short distance from Royal Portbury Dock.

A number of recent office developments include Portishead Office Park, Gordano Gate and Portis Fields. Kestrel Court provides managed workspace consisting of flexible office and studio/workshop space.

Portishead

Weston-super-Mare

Weston-super-Mare is the largest town in North Somerset with a population of over 77,000. The town is set to grow further through a mixture of residential and commercial development during the forthcoming years.

Traditionally a seaside town Weston-super-Mare is undergoing a major transformation with a range of regeneration projects and exciting developments.  The High Street Heritage Action Zone will run from 2020-2024 and will deliver projects through a £1.2m grant from Historic England.  This scheme is in addition to the existing Great Weston Heritage Action Zone which has been delivering projects in the town centre since September 2017.

Situated at Junction 21 of the M5 motorway, Weston-super-Mare provides a convenient business location with access to the South West of England. Bristol Airport is within 25 minutes drive and there are regular train services to Bristol and London Paddington, and to the North. There is an unprecedented level of commercial property development coming forward in Weston, providing opportunities for businesses to expand or relocate.

Land adjoining the motorway junction has been designated an enterprise area which on completion will provide over 2 million square foot of commercial space, 10,000 jobs and 6,000 new homes by 2026.  The Junction 21 Enterprise Area is part of the wider £1bn expansion and regeneration of Weston.

Located on the Bristol Channel coast, the town boasts the second largest tidal range in the world and its long sandy beach provides an expansive area for a range of leisure activities including wind and water sports and major events.

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