Frome’s past and future explored at community discussion on ownership and stewardship

A full audience gathered at the Frome Assembly Rooms earlier this month for a public discussion exploring how communities can play a greater role in shaping the future of their towns.

Hosted by the Frome Society alongside the Frome Civic Society, the sold-out event brought together conversations around heritage, regeneration, civic stewardship and community ownership, with us invited to speak about the future of Saxonvale and the role community ownership could play in shaping Frome’s future.

Frome’s heritage and the challenge of long-term stewardship

The afternoon explored how Frome’s identity has been shaped over centuries by the people who have lived and worked here, and asked what role communities should play in protecting and shaping the town in the future.

Speakers from the Frome Society reflected on concerns that elements of Frome’s historic character and built heritage are gradually being lost, despite the town’s strong creative and community culture. Discussions focused on the importance of long-term thinking, civic responsibility and ensuring future development strengthens rather than erodes the qualities that make Frome distinctive.

Community-led regeneration and the future of Saxonvale

We spoke about the changing nature of land ownership, regeneration and development across the UK, and how community ownership models could help restore long-term stewardship and local decision-making.

The conversation centred on the idea that ownership determines outcomes. As traditional civic institutions and local ownership structures continue to decline, communities increasingly face decisions being shaped by external investment models with little long-term connection to place.

Why community ownership matters for Frome’s future

We outlined how our proposed community ownership model for Saxonvale aims to create long-term local stewardship of land and assets, keeping value rooted within Frome and allowing future generations to have a meaningful stake in the town’s future.

Before and after the talks, attendees were also able to view information and speak with members of our team about the upcoming Community Share Offer and plans for the Saxonvale site.

The event formed part of a wider conversation about how towns like Frome can retain agency, identity and long-term resilience in a rapidly changing economic and social landscape.