3 minute read
HERITAGE ACTION ZONE
Following on from the Spring update in Midsomer Norton Life, the project team and Steering Group are pleased to report that good progress is being made on the High Street Heritage Action Zone (‘HSHAZ’) project, which seeks to improve the High Street and invest in our town centre. As such, various project strands are beginning to take shape and the team are looking forward to seeing how forthcoming improvement works, community events and cultural activities will benefit the area and local community. as mentioned in the last issue, plans for the new public open space and market square at the island are being considered and the project team are now undertaking technical works and investigations within this area. as such, engineering advice and surveys are being commissioned to inform the design proposals and ensure the redesigned space can be used by local businesses, community groups, residents and visitors on a dayto-day basis and for special events. at the moment the project team are making sure that the river culvert beneath the island is in good condition and any future construction works can proceed safely. once the engineers and surveyors have completed their work it will be possible to improve the designs further and consider the layout, materials and infrastructure (e.g. power and water supply points) of the new market square in more detail.
other exciting project developments in the last few months include the appointment of project managers and cost consultants to assist with plans to provide additional community space within the town Hall. as such, the project team are working closely with the project managers, town trust, town council and community trust to sensibly consider the funding and works required to reinstate the original internal ‘market Hall’, part of the wider town Hall transformation project. although these discussions are at an early stage the project team are really pleased that HsHaZ project can support the community in this way.
in other news, the project team are pleased to say that the surveying work for the High street shopfront and façade study has been completed and over 140 people responded to the accompanying High street Questionnaire. the project team wish to thank all those who participated in this survey, particularly pupils and staff of Longvernal primary school, st John’s cofE primary school and midsomer Norton primary school.
the final report is due to be published before the end of may and this will be accompanied by a community presentation ‘webinar’ (from the appointed historic buildings specialists) to explain the findings, so please keep an eye out for more details on this. the shopfront and façade study will help to identify where the High street is most in need of improvement and where grant funding could be spent on repairs and improvements to High street buildings. other updates include another successful meeting of the HsHaZ ‘steering group’ on Wednesday 21st april. in addition to the updates above, topics for discussion included future community events and activities, applications for additional funding, plans to tackle empty shops on the High street and the development of a dedicated HsHaZ project website to be launched soon. as always, the HsHaZ steering group is keen to hear from anyone who has any ideas for the High street or would like to know more about the Heritage action Zone project. if so, please feel free to contact the High street project manager, Edward Heritage, via email or post (details below). Email: edward_heritage@bathnes.gov.uk Edward Heritage, High street project manager, town Hall, the island, midsomer Norton, Ba3 2HQ.
If you are interested in physical activity outdoors, that will be a positive benefit to wildlife and help improve access to all parts of the Town Park site, this could be for you. All ages and abilities can be accommodated, but there should be a willingness to take part in physical work. All tools and training will be provided by TCV.
