As always, the High Street Heritage Action Zone (‘HSHAZ’) Project Team has been hard at work since the last update, with progress made across the High Street renewal scheme. Key updates include:
Town Hall Transformation
After over a decade of community consultation and fundraising, plans to transform Midsomer Norton Town Hall have been given the green light by the Town Council and the Phase 1 works are now set to begin in September this year.
This significant project will transform the Grade II* listed Town Hall and provide much-needed facilities to ensure the building continues to serve the community for the next 100 years.
The first phase of work will see the original 1860s Market Hall reinstated on the ground floor alongside a scheme of conservation and repair works. Once additional fundraising is complete, this will be followed by the construction of a rear extension and further improvement works in Phase 2.
During the project the Midsomer Norton Community Trust has prepared a plan to accommodate the many community groups who use the building and other community spaces, as well as keeping the cinema fully operational.
Shopfront Improvement Scheme
Following the success of the first Expressions of Interest process, we are again inviting High Street landlords and businesses to get in touch about the Shopfront Improvement Scheme.
This grant-funded scheme will provide match-funding (on a 50:50 basis) for external repairs and improvements to building fabric and signage for commercial properties within the HSHAZ area. The scheme will also provide paid-for expert advice to business owners and landlords, thereby reducing costs and hassle for those considering improvement works.
Further information on the scheme, including the Expressions of Interest Form to be filled out, can be found here: YourMidsomerNorton.co.uk/high-street-shopfronts-and-signage-improvements
High Street Cultural Programme
The HSHAZ Cultural Programme –which delivers new and improved events and activities in the town centre– has gone from strength to strength over 2022.
In June, a new short film celebrating Midsomer Norton’s ‘High Street Heroes’ was named Best Animated Short by the Cotswold International Film Festival. Created by filmmaker Howard Vause, in collaboration with Midsomer Norton Primary School children, it tells the stories of unsung heroes who have made a difference in our town, or who have achieved great things in their lives and careers. You can watch the full film on YourMidsomerNorton.co.uk under the Cultural Programme pages.
Next up in the Cultural Programme calendar is Heritage Open Days which takes place from Friday 9 until Monday 18 September 2022. This national festival will see heritage buildings and little-known historic and natural sites open their doors to visitors for free.
On Saturday 10 September, you are warmly invited to join the Cultural Programme team in the Town Hall (10.00am – 2.00pm) to participate in fun activities for the whole family, learn about the building’s past and hear about plans for its future. Elsewhere, there will be special tours, heritage trails and workshops happening all over Midsomer Norton – visit YourMidsomerNorton.co.uk for more information.
Investigative Works and Traffic Closures at The Island
Following lengthy discussions between B&NES Council and the Government’s environmental advisers, we are pleased that structural investigations on the Victorian culvert beneath The Island can now go ahead in early August. These works, which will include digging trial pits and taking brick core samples, are necessary to determine the structural integrity and strength of the 150-year-old culvert structure for safety reasons and to prepare for the redevelopment of the new Market Square.
We have been advised that the Council will be contacting local residents and businesses soon and will seek to minimise disruption as far as possible, with access and car parking provided when safe to do so and outside of working hours.
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The High Street Project Manager and Cultural Programme Engagement Coordinator would also be happy to hear from you and can be contacted via email at: [email protected] / [email protected]
You can also write to the High Street Project Manager and Engagement Coordinator at: High Street Heritage Action Zone, c/o Midsomer Norton Town Council, The Island, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2HQ.
