Image
Recognised ‘for its contribution to the local townscape’, the shopfront enhancement work re-instated the original mosaic to the front of the landmark high street shop.
Councillor Mark Canniford, Executive Member for Placemaking and Economy at North Somerset Council, said: “This award is a fantastic accolade for everyone involved in the shopfront enhancement work. Walker and Ling is blazing the trail for other businesses looking to improve their shopfronts and welcome more people into the town centre.
“Walker and Ling has played an important role in the lives of the people in the town for generations and we’re delighted that the building has been renovated to replicate its mid-century façade, resulting in this award. I wish them continued success.”
Sam Walker, owner of Walker and Ling, said: “We are extremely proud of the project. It has given us, and Weston’s high street, such a boost after two hard years.
“We are honoured to be recognised by the Weston-super-Mare Civic Society with this award. I look forward to seeing future heritage projects being completed on the high street next year.”
Ross Simmonds, Acting Regional Director at Historic England, said: “Historic England is delighted to see a project in the High Street Heritage Action Zone winning this accolade by the town’s civic society. It acknowledges the careful regeneration of Walker and Ling’s beautiful historic shop frontage.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Sam Walker for investing into the enhancement, especially at a time when so many retailers are experiencing financial pressures due to the pandemic.”
Walker and Ling is the first building to be enhanced by the HAZ shopfront enhancement scheme in Weston. Work is nearing completion on the scheme's second project, the Fork ‘n’ Ale Taproom and Kitchen – an independent restaurant, bar, and music venue. Restoration recently started on the third - the old Kendall's building on the corner of Regent Street and High Street.
Weston has two Heritage Action Zones in its town centre, which total £2m in investment by Historic England. The Shopfront Enhancement scheme is part of this work and will run until March 2024. More details can be found at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/heritageactionzone
During the award ceremony, Heritage Action Zone surprised Weston-super-Mare Civic Society by presenting them with a poster framed in wood salvaged from the old Grand Pier. This gift was to publicly thank the Civic Society for championing the HAZ’s work over the last four years, notably the Stone Walls Project.
Pictured (left to right): Cara Macmahon (Heritage Action Zones Project Officer, North Somerset Council), Sam Walker (owner, Walker and Ling) and Maria Louise Long (Senior Associate, Chris Dyson Architects).