WHSmith opens in Weston High Street

WHSmith has opened its doors following an 18-month-long restoration project.

The bookshop and stationers closed its doors and temporarily relocated to the Sovereign Shopping Centre in January as reconstruction work began on the Georgian building.

The beautiful store front was unveiled a fortnight ago, with stunning lead work on the front of the newly refurbished store highlighting the ornate work originally put in place in the early 1900s.

MORE: The shop was unveiled two weeks ago.

The new WH Smith shop in High Street. Picture: Peter Barrington (Image: Peter Barrington)

In the centre of this work is the quote by William Shakespeare which reads: "Come and take a choice of all my library and so beguile thy sorrow."

The lead work also includes Tudor hunting dogs, flourishes of vegetation, Tudor roses, a bear, dragon, cherub and a unicorn.

Group property director from WHSmith, Helen Burgess, said: "We are delighted to be welcoming customers back to the Weston WHSmith High Street store following reconstructive work to the building and fascia.

"We really hope our customers and the community will enjoy the restored appearance and shopping our fantastic product offer."

MORE: The Great Weston Conservation Area was approved in December.

The original bow windows on the front of the story have been refreshed and the previous second entrance has been replaced with a double window.

The fascia has been updated to a black sign with the branding painted on, in line with North Somerset Council's Heritage Action Zone Shop Front Design Guide.

Council leader Don Davies said: "The work undertaken by WHSmith is an example of how historic buildings can be lovingly restored and plays a key part in today's modern high street.

"This shop frontage sets a positive bench mark and provides inspiration for other businesses in the Heritage Action Zone, which will be launched later this year."