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The buildings to benefit from funding are 4, 6 and 8 Walliscote Road. All currently vacant, the units which sit opposite the Odeon cinema, most recently operated as a charity shop, a food takeaway and Swinton Insurance.
Work is expected to take approximately four weeks, and includes replacing the existing shopfronts including surrounds, stallrisers, new timber framed glazing, entrance doors, windows and fascia boards for shop signage.
Funded by Historic England, the Shopfront Enhancement Scheme was open to priority properties within the town’s Heritage Action Zones.
Nathan Moffatt, a local developer and owner of the three buildings, said: “It’s great to begin the shopfront restoration with support from the council and Historic England. Once complete, we’ll then carry out a full internal refit before listing all three shops to let by the summer.
“An important part of this project is being able to support the need for good quality, sustainable and affordable housing in the town centre through renovation of the upper floors above the commercial units. This in turn will help to increase footfall in the town centre, while strengthening the local economy.
“Lastly, I’d like to thank the council’s Heritage and Design Team, and Allen Construction for their support in getting this work underway”.
Councillor Mark Canniford, Executive Member for Business, Economy and Employment at North Somerset Council, said: “I’m so pleased to see work starting to improve these three Victorian buildings which occupy a prominent location in Weston’s town centre.
“With the High Street Heritage Action Zone ending in March 2024, it’s great to add the sympathetic enhancement of another three shopfronts to the legacy of the scheme. This has not only made a positive difference to buildings’ physical appearance but is helping to encourage more footfall and trade into the town.”
Rebecca Barrett, Regional Director at Historic England, said: “Weston’s historic shopfronts bring so much character and interest to the town centre. Collectively, they create a unique sense of place which is appealing to visitors, shoppers and the local community. We’re delighted that the Shopfront Enhancement Scheme is proving so attractive to local businesses and can’t wait to see the buildings on Walliscote Road transformed.”
The first five businesses to take advantage of the town’s Shopfront Enhancement Scheme were:
- Walker and Ling, a family-run department store (84-86 High Street).
- The Fork n Ale Taproom and Kitchen, a popular town centre independent restaurant, bar and music venue (18 Walliscote Road).
- The old Kendall’s building, now housing eleven business units including Greggs, Weston Hospicecare and Coffee #1 (corner of the High Street and Regent Street).
- The Albert, formerly The Lamplighters pub (132 High Street).
- The ‘Stage Door’ restaurant, café and bar (134 High Street).
Weston had two Heritage Action Zones in its town centre thanks to a combined investment of £2m from Historic England. The Great Weston Heritage Action Zone ended in September 2022, while the High Street Heritage Action Zone will continue until March 2024.
More information can be found at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/heritageactionzone.