WORK is due to start today on the sixth project within Weston-super-Mare’s High Street Heritage Action Zone Shopfront Enhancement scheme.

The scheme, which is managed by North Somerset Council, will see vacant units on the high street receive an influx of funding to make enhancements.

Buildings four, six and eight Walliscote Road will see improvements made to their entrance doors, stallrisers, windows and signage.

These units were previously a charity shop, a food takeaway and Swinton Insurance. While they saw decent footfall due to being directly opposite the Odeon Cinema, these Victorian buildings now lie abandoned and neglected.

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."

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."

The previous buisnesses which benefitted from the scheme included:

  • 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).

To learn more about the scheme, why not visit the North Somerset Council's website.