Many of Weston-super-Mare’s historic shops have suffered from decades of neglect, inappropriate repairs and unsympathetic additions, with numerous properties sitting empty.
But a new initiative could restore their former glory.
North Somerset Council has identified 45 premises in “desperate” need of enhancement and is making thousands of pounds of matched funding available to spruce up the town’s newly designated heritage action zone.
It is seeking a team of consultants with expertise in repairing historic buildings, and also plans to draw up a design guide for shop fronts.
A council spokesperson said: “As high streets across the UK are struggling, we are taking a mixed economy approach to developing a vibrant town centre.
“The shop front enhancement scheme is a part of our plan to encourage quality and vibrancy.
“Many of the shops in Weston looked tired and suffer from lack of investment in terms of quality shop frontages and signage.
“The grant scheme continues our proactive approach to development of a town centre.
“It follows on from our award-winning development of the Italian Gardens at the heart of the town centre.”
The key issues the council is keen to address are insensitively designed shopfronts and signage, the loss of architectural detailing, poor quality infill developments and insensitive building alterations. It wants to encourage the reuse of empty buildings and to retain businesses in the community.
The intervention comes after the condition of shops throughout the heritage action zone was assessed and only nine per cent were found to need “little to no enhancement”, while 45 properties were in “desperate” need of enhancement.
These will automatically be eligible to access the services of the consultants and supported to develop a grant application, and neighbouring properties could also benefit. Work will concentrate on partnerships with independent retailers rather than high street brands.
North Somerset Council estimates that the average building will cost £12,000 to bring up to scratch and has some £250,000 available from Historic England to match-fund grants. It was awarded a grant of £369,000 for the project.
Once appointed, the consultants will meet with owners to discuss what work they are considering, carry out surveys, secure the necessary consents and help them to procure the work.
The council will use enforcement and regular monitoring to ensure the benefits are maintained in the long term.
The 45 shops set for a makeover
- 8 South Parade
- 10 South Parade
- 12 South Parade - David Plaister
- 41 High Street - Accessorise
- 46 High Street - Fone World
- 48 High Street - tReds
- 51 High Street - Greenslades Opticians
- 55 High Street - Caffé Nero
- 73 High Street - Thorntons
- 79 High Street - Game
- 122, 124 High Street - Cheers and Heroes
- 129 High Street - The New Market
- 131 High Street - Subway
- 132 High Street - Lamplighters
- 134 High Street - Blue Ocean
- 136 High Street - Noszkay’s Boutique
- 138 High Street - Grove Park Launderette
- 140 High Street
- 12 West Street - Scatter Box
- 18 West Street - Blakes 237
- 20 West Street - Animals Asia / USA
- 22 West Street - Cafe La Mer
- 10 Wadham Street
- 3 Waterloo Street - Monopoly Property Services
- 5 Waterloo Street - Jays Pharmacy
- 7 Waterloo Street - Alivia
- 9 Waterloo Street - H2O
- 11 Waterloo Street - Cafe Gold
- 13 Waterloo Street - Stephen & Co
- 15 Waterloo Street - William Hill
- 34 Meadow Street - Weston Discounts
- 35-37 Meadow Street - Dino’s Tattooist
- 36 Meadow Street - Jan’s Kitchen
- 38 Meadow Street - Eye Candy Barbers
- 45 Meadow Street - Maria’s Bridal Boutique
- 47 Meadow Street - Scissorhands
- 49 Meadow Street - CA Photography and Print
- 51 Meadow Street
- 52 Meadow Street - Farris Property
- 53 Meadow Street
- 55 Meadow Street - Danya’s Barber Shop
- 6 Alexandra Parade - Sultan's Pizza, Fried Chicken & Kebabs
- 8 Alexandra Parade - Naenae Grill
- 22 Orchard Place
WHSmith’s High Street premises is also on the list but its renovation - fully funded by the firm - was completed this week after an 18-month project.
Council leader Don Davies said: “The work undertaken by WHSmith is an example of how historic buildings can be lovingly restored and play a key part in today’s modern high street.
“This shop frontage sets a positive benchmark and provides inspiration for other businesses in the heritage action zone, which will be launched later this year.”
The council is also drawing up a shop front design guide for the whole of North Somerset that it will put out to consultation and plans to adopt in September.
