Shop front improvements across the high street

Midsomer Norton is one of more than 60 High Streets designated as a Heritage Action Zone, and support for shopfront improvements is one element of the Historic England grant funded programme. Work with local businesses and property owners is now underway to help breathe new life into the town centre, providing opportunities to renew and improve shopfronts, facades and signage.

Shopfront improvements in Midsomer Norton will focus on small scale, affordable interventions (e.g. new awnings or signage) to have maximum impact on the High Street’s appearance.

While each project will be different dependent aspirations of those involved and the location of the shop, a full study of each shopfront on the High Street and associated design guidance has been produced to provide a framework and starting point for discussion.

The shopfront improvement scheme will be delivered throughout 2023 and into 2024. If you are interested in participating in the scheme, there is now a final call to complete an Expression of Interest form on yourmidsomernorton.co.uk (where you can also find more information about the scheme).

For more information you can also contact the High Street Project Manager by email at MidsomerNortonHSHAZ@BATHNES.gov.uk

Other investment from the Heritage Action Zone programme includes: grant support for the Town Hall transformation project (underway); grant support for the delivery of the new Town Square at the Island; and improvements to the High Street including new benches, murals such as Unit 14 and marketing and promotion including banners.

The High Streets Heritage Action Zones (HAZ) is a £95 million government-funded programme led by Historic England and designed to secure lasting improvements to our historic high streets for the communities who use them.

Images: Shopfront design by YOU&ME Architecture