The last few months of 2021 proved very busy for the High Street Heritage Action Zone project in Midsomer Norton. Lots of new initiatives were launched in the winter period and further progress was made on the various project streams.
Cultural Programme
The Cultural Programme has now begun following the appointment of Engagement Coordinator, Beth Whalley, by the Midsomer Norton Community Trust. The programme is led by the Cultural Consortium, a panel of community groups, who are overseeing the delivery of new and improved events and activities in the town centre.
Two such events took place in early February. The ‘Midsomer Memories’ illuminated window trail was installed in the High Street and surrounding areas. Part of the national Window Wanderland initiative, the event invited residents, businesses, schools and community groups to create and enjoy colourful window displays celebrating Midsomer Norton’s past, present and future.
The second event revived the much-loved Midsomer Norton Wassail. The day began with nature crown workshops in the Town Hall with Studio Meraki. This was followed by a traditional procession departing from the Town Hall and finishing in the Town Park for the Wassail Ceremony. Finally there was music, Morris dancing, traditional crafts and a mini-market in the park.
A heritage film, created by filmmaker Howard Vause in collaboration with children from Midsomer Norton Primary School, will soon be launched. Entitled ‘Midsomer Norton High Street Heroes’, the film celebrates five unsung figures from Midsomer Norton. The group is also in the early stages of planning activities for this year’s Heritage Open Days.
HSHAZ Projects
Other HSHAZ project streams advanced in recent months include efforts to improve the character of the High Street. Following recommendations made by public realm designers, the HSHAZ Steering Group and project team have now signed-off plans to renew a number of the public benches, introduce seasonal artwork banners and create a new mural on the High Street alongside members of the community. These will be coming forward in the coming months.
New Market Square at The Island
The plans for the new Market Square at The Island have also been progressed and planned engineering and landscape design processes are now taking place. This includes plans for new drainage, lighting, surface materials and power supply. The new steps and ramps to the Town Hall are also being designed to ensure they are accessible and user-friendly.
Market Hall Reinstatement Project
With regard to the Town Hall project itself, the HSHAZ Project Team continue to work with the Town Council, Town Trust and Transformation Implementation Committee (‘TIC’) on the ‘Phase 1’ scheme, namely the planned reinstatement of the Market Hall at the ground floor. The Architect, Project Managers and Quantity Surveyors for the construction works have been appointed so technical work and planning for this is currently taking place alongside fundraising activities for Phase 2 works.
So, as you can tell, lots going on and lots more to come! For more information about the HSHAZ Project or Cultural Programme, or to discuss anything mentioned above, please feel free to contact the High Street Project Manager or Cultural Programme Engagement Coordinator via email.
Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
Postal Address: HSHAZ High Street Project Manager, c/o Midsomer Norton Town Council, The Island, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2HQ.
