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This project is part of North Somerset Council’s ambitious placemaking vision for the town, made possible thanks to its successful bid for £20m from the UK government.
The work, which is expected to complete by the end of March 2025, will include fully refurbishing four units:
- 57 High Street, a vacant unit previously occupied by ‘Fone Zone’ – removing the existing shopfront, signage and roller shutter door and replacing the shopfront.
- 67 High Street, previously ‘Fone Fixers’ and 69 High Street, a vacant unit – joining these two units together following commercial advice suggesting this would increase appeal from prospective occupiers. Work is set to include removing the roller shutter door at 67 and replacing both shopfronts with a new double bay shopfront.
- 73 High Street, previously Weston Artspace, refurbishment to attract occupiers to create jobs in the town. Plans include repairing render on the front and back of the building, as well as making improvements to the interior.
Energy efficiency improvements will be installed in all the units to help new occupiers offset premises costs, and in line with the council’s commitment to tackle the climate emergency.
Work to 57, 67 and 69 High Street required planning permission. Details of which, including detailed drawings, can be found on the council’s website (reference: 24/P/0514/R3).
Councillor Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council's executive member responsible for placemaking, said: “It’s encouraging to see this work starting as it will see vast improvement to more Victorian buildings in the heart of Weston’s town centre. I’m delighted that following a thorough procurement process that we’ve been able to appoint Bristol-based contractor Bray & Slaughter to carry out the work.
“This project will not only make a positive difference to the buildings’ physical appearance but will encourage businesses to occupy previously empty units, boosting footfall and trade in the town. This builds upon the work carried out under the Historic England-funded High Street Heritage Action Zone work, which ending in March.”
Grant Jefferies, Managing Director of Bray & Slaughter, commented: “It’s exciting to be afforded the opportunity to breathe life back into these buildings and collaborate with the best local suppliers from North Somerset. We look forward to delivering this project for the community of Weston-super-Mare.”
To find out more about the improvement programme in Weston, visit the council’s website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/improvingweston.
