THE harbour, horticulture and old hospital are all at the forefront of ambitious plans to revitalise Minehead and regenerate its ailing tourism-driven economy.

The Parks Walk, Blenheim Gardens and Clanville could become a nationally important urban arboretum and secret gardens trail, while The Quay will be the focus for the town's first harbour festival on July 20.

Produce and craft stalls could become a regular sight on the forecourt of the old hospital as part of proposals to make The Avenue a cultural hub of the town.

Local people will be actively encouraged to become involved in cultural projects and new initiatives will be launched to ensure West Somerset residents 'shop local'.

The ideas are all central to new visioning manager Stephen Hooper's plans to boost the well-being of the seafront town.

On Monday, his long-awaited business plan was formally approved by the Minehead Vision Group, which includes representatives from town, district and county councils, as well as other key groups and organisations.

The plan identifies focal points for regeneration activity and sets out innovative ideas to make Minehead a destination for cultural tourism - in turn, boosting the economic fortunes of local businesses.

"We want to make sure visitors stay longer, spend more and then revisit," Mr Hooper told the Free Press this week.

He said he had focused on rediscovering Minehead's maritime heritage, wanted to highlight and increase the town's unique horticultural offering and planned to "re-energise" the central area of The Avenue.

"Minehead has an incredible collection of trees that were planted in the 1930s, currently known as Parks Walk.

"This is considered to be an urban arboretum of national significance and, combined with Blenheim Gardens and the proposed Secret Gardens at Clanville, would promote Minehead's unique horticultural offering," Mr Hooper said.

He said the town's horticultural assets were "undervalued and under-celebrated" and efforts would be made to rebrand and remarket that aspect of the town.

He believed attracting "cultural tourists" would be key to increasing the footfall - and spend - in other areas of the town.

Mr Hooper said: "The main commercial street, The Avenue, has become polarised, with the West Somerset Railway at one end and the town shops at the other.

"The central hub that was supported by the hospital and bus station, now the Co-Op and car park, no longer functions.

"The action plan focuses on creating a new cultural quarter in its place to make The Avenue whole again."

He confirmed he was in talks with highways chiefs about ideas to ease the flow between pedestrians and traffic in The Avenue, but stressed those discussions were at a very early stage and did not involve banning vehicles from the area.

But one proposal that is definitely going ahead is the town's first official harbour festival.

Mr Hooper described Minehead's rich maritime history as "the jewel in the crown which needs dusting off and polishing up".

He said he hoped the festival, celebrating Minehead's naval history and sea trading links with South Wales would help to bring in new visitors.

"The harbour in Quay Town was once a vital naval base and has a rich history which is completely uncelebrated.

"On July 20 we will be having the first ever harbour festival as part of a programme of activities to raise its status," Mr Hooper said.

The festival is likely to be based on a pirate theme to mark the fact Minehead was among the first harbours to officially licence privateers - men permitted by Government to attack foreign vessels during wartime.

"I know privateers and pirates aren't strictly the same thing, but by having a theme we can get everyone involved," Mr Hooper said.

Mr Hooper took on the role of visioning manager at the end of last year and was given the remit of making Minehead a "thriving, prosperous, safe and attractive town, with access to quality services and facilities for residents, businesses and visitors alike".

He has made no secret of the fact he believes culture, community and commerce are key to Minehead's long-term future and is still keen to employ an apprentice to help him tackle the challenges ahead.

More information about the level three business administration apprenticeship is available from the West Somerset Community College on 01643 700369.

Mr Hooper, who is based in the town's tourist information centre, can be contacted by emailing [email protected]">[email protected].