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The work will be funded by the UK government’s Levelling Up Fund, Historic England and the owners of the buildings.
One of the two units, which sit opposite the recently reopened Plaza cinema, is occupied by the Frame Station and Studio Galleries. The other unit is currently vacant, having most recently operated as TSB bank.
Work is expected to be completed within a month. It will include replacing the existing shopfronts including surrounds, stallrisers, new timber framed glazing, entrance doors, windows and fascia boards for shop signage.
At the same time, the stonework will be cleaned on the upper floors of 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 Walliscote Road.
Nathan Moffatt, a local developer and owner of 4, 6, 8 and 12 Walliscote Road, said: “It’s great to see this important shopfront restoration work continuing thanks to financial support from the Levelling Up Fund and Historic England. The first three units on Walliscote Road have been renovated to a high standard, and it’s brilliant to see two of them already in use as a bakery and Thai restaurant. I’m looking forward to seeing 12 Walliscote Road delivered to the same high quality. Thanks to the council’s Placemaking team and Heritage and Design team, and Allen Construction for their continued support. The Shopfront Engagement Scheme is increasing footfall in the town centre, while helping to strengthen the local economy, and I’m proud to be involved in making that happen.”
Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s Executive Member for Culture and Leisure, said: “I’m so pleased to see work starting to improve these two Victorian buildings which occupy a prominent location in Weston’s town centre.
“With the High Street Heritage Action Zone ending in March, it’s great that we’ve been able to add the sympathetic enhancement of another two 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.
“The investment in town centre retail and hospitality units will continue beyond March thanks to our successful bid for £20 million from the Levelling Up fund. This work fits neatly within the programme’s objectives to reinvent and diversify our town centre, while supporting our creative economy, independent retailers, and food and drink innovators.”
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 even more buildings on Walliscote Road transformed.”
Previous businesses to take advantage of the town’s Shopfront Enhancement Scheme are:
- 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).
- 4, 6 and 8 Walliscote Road, which now includes Sustenance Bakery and MiMi’s Thai Bistro.
As announced last month, the Plaza cinema in Weston-super-Mare is set to be the seventh project to be delivered.
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.