High Street Shopfronts and Signage Improvements
A conservation area at risk
Midsomer Norton town centre, along with parts of Welton, was designated as a ‘Conservation Area’ in 2004 because of its ‘special architectural and historic interest’. That means that B&NES Council has a legal duty to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the local area and ensure that its condition is monitored and assessed.
Following the most recent assessment carried out in 2018, the condition of the Conservation Area was found to be poor.
In Midsomer Norton, the lack of investment in buildings and public spaces was highlighted and recommendations made to 1) improve tired, run-down and poorly-altered shopfronts; and 2) remove unattractive advertisements and signage. The HSHAZ designation was, in part, a response to this assessment and has sought to address to concerns raised.
What is the solution?
Fortunately, following the hard work of local stakeholders, these problems have been acknowledged, funding secured and a number of projects undertaken to help address them.
The Shopfront Improvement Scheme has supported 9 local businesses and property owners in a number of ways. This has included opportunities to renew and improve shopfronts, facades and signage through the provision of match funding and paid-for professional advice.
Around £100,000 has so far been allocated to deliver the Shopfront Improvement Scheme through the HSHAZ programme which finished in March 2024. Future funding arrangements are now being sought to extend this programme of match funding following the success of the first 9 projects.
The HSHAZ programme included:
- A comprehensive Shopfront and Façade Survey for the Midsomer Norton High Street (to find out the most impactful ways to spend this funding);
- The creation of Shopfront Design Guidance for Midsomer Norton High Street (to recommend the best ways to restore/repair shopfronts and design/install signage and advertisements); and
- A Shopfront Improvement pilot scheme for 9 shopfronts at The Island and elsewhere within the High Street (to actually bring the recommendations forward and make physical improvements).
The Shopfront Improvement Scheme
Somer Printing @ 10 South Road
Designed by YOU&ME Architecture this colourful graphic based shopfront improvement sought to tie together the buildings historic context, modern construction and new tenants of Somer Printing. The works were delivered by Tozer Signs.
“The High Street Regeneration Programme has been a fantastic improvement to the area so far and especially to our small business. What the architect created is very eye catching and compliments the area well. There have been an enormous amount of our customers comment on how fabulous the building now looks thus much improving their overall experience of shopping on the High Street. It has greatly improved, not just the look of our building, but the look of the whole area surrounding us. We hope it rubs off on other local shops to encourage them to improve their premises so that they too can gain the benefits we have seen as it’s most definitely worth it! Thank you to all concerned.”
Adrienne Lynch, Somer Printing
Pure Taste @ 11 High Street
Designed by YOU&ME Architecture this shopfront improvement to the GII listed 11 High Street sought to remove the bright vinyl signage and restore a more historically appropriate door and window arrangement. Working with the business the architect was able to draw on and highlight the important aspects of the business while also enhancing the listed building and wider conservation area.
Listed building consent and advertisement consent were secured for this project and it was delivered by Mobius.
NISI @ 125 High Street
Designed by YOU&ME Architecture the property owner approached the project looking to fix the utilitarian doorway and opening which no longer aligned with the historic solid to void ration in the frontage. The designed scheme ended up including a range of works to the frontage:
- Re-arranged door opening, with traditional timber sliding sash windows either side of a new timber door
- Existing sash windows repaired and reinstated
- New awnings installed on The Island elevation
- Repaired stone work, quoins and cills where significant spalling had occurred
- New hand painted sign writing to fanlight and windows
- New swing signs re-using the existing former hanging basket brackets
Jacarandas @ 109 High Street
This project aimed to replace the rotting timber window frame, door and door frame to Jacarandas café. The side elevation suffers from the worst of the weather and had deteriorated over the years. In addition the owners were struggling with the amount of condensation building up on the inside of the glass on colder days. The proposal replaced all of the timber and glass on this elevation. Accoya was used for the door which is a highly rot-resistant wood that contains no toxic substances, unlike most conventional wood treatments. An opening fanlight was installed above the door to help manage the condensation within the café. The works were delivered by Kingman Joinery.
“We own jacarandas coffee shop in the high street and have received a grant as part of the shop front improvement scheme being ran by BANES.
This was a fantastic scheme helping small businesses and our high street. Much appreciated!”
Sarah Malik, Jacarandas
Fox & Kit @ Holly Court Arcade
When Fox & Kit moved into Holly Court Arcade they undertook a full fit out of their units and the project was able to support the creation of fantastic hand painted signage for their swing signs by Tozer Signs.
Canine Class @ Somer House, High Street
While not within a historic building this parade of shops is of its time and sits at an important gateway location to the rest of the High Street and conservation area.
The aim of this project was to remove the existing shiny vinyl sign which detracted from the shop front and demonstrate how modern shopfronts can utilise natural materials and high quality design to enhance the conservation area while still highlighting the business and their brand.
Sewing Sanctuary @ 1 High Street
This historic former pub was built in the same Italianate architectural style as Midsomer Norton Town Hall. While this is not a listed building it is a prominent location at the entrance to the High Street.
Works undertaken here were to repair all the existing joinery. Repairing the timber and repainting in historically appropriate colours.
Rose Crafts @ 123 High Street
While the original building at 123 High Street burnt down the replacement has a charm and character that contributes to the retail core of the High Street.
The business wanted to retain their gold letter branding and a new di-bond fascia was installed to ensure low reflectivity and appropriate proportions. Metal lettering was then applied over the top.
Holly Court Arcade
Types of improvements
Each project within the Shopfront Improvement Scheme will be different and depend on the building(s) in question, the funds available and the aims of those involved. Certain projects may include more than one shopfront, for example a group of adjacent shopfronts.
Shopfront Improvements can range in size from the small (e.g. new awnings or signage) to the large scale (e.g. full restoration or refronting). These improvements could include historical repairs to existing architectural features or the introduction of contemporary design.
In order to support the Shopfront Improvement Scheme, the Project Team undertook a comprehensive High Street Shopfront and Facade Study. This Study identified various issues with High Street buildings and public spaces and makes suggestions for how the area could be improved over time, not just within the HSHAZ project period.
The Study also included a detailed survey of all pre-1960s buildings on the High Street and made recommendations for improvements to each of these buildings. These ‘recommended improvements’ would be supported by the Shopfront Improvements Scheme and are a good place to start for potential match funding applicants.
Examples of work carried out successfully elsewhere include:
Ground-floor improvements:
- General external repairs and refurbishment;
- Fascia, signage and signboard improvements;
- Repair, reframing and reglazing of windows;
- Installation, repair or restoration of projecting signage e.g. hanging signs;
- Installation, repair or restoration of external awnings;
- Installation of new stall risers;
- Provision or renewal of external lighting;
- Repair or renewal of pilasters/columns;
- Full restoration or refronting of a shopfront.
Improvements to upper floors:
- Façade repairs (e.g. brickwork, rendering and repointing);
- Repair or replacement of windows;
- Repainting and renewal of signage
Examples of what has been achieved elsewhere can be found belowr
Funding and future interest
The Shopfront Improvement Scheme was part of the wider Midsomer Norton ‘High Street Heritage Action Zone’ (‘HSHAZ’) initiative funded by Historic England, the West of England Combined Authority, B&NES Council, Midsomer Norton Town Council and the Midsomer Norton Town Trust. It provided approximately £100,000 of match funding towards the projects and as match funding applicants were asked to contribute a defined % towards the total cost of the the agreed works.
Future funding is being sought to extend this programme of works and new applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, mindful of the finite amount of grant funding available and the need to fairly distribute this funding between eligible and impactful projects. Therefore, potential applicants are encouraged to express their interest in the Scheme and match funding at the earliest opportunity so that we can catalogue interest and seek grant funding. Please note that tenants/leaseholders will need to ensure the property owner (e.g. Registered Title Holder, Freeholder or Landlord) is supportive of potential improvement works.
In order to register your interest for the Shopfront Improvements Scheme, potential applicants are invited to review the ‘recommended improvements’ for their building within the High Street Shopfront and Façade Study and complete the short Expressions of Interest (‘EOI’) form found here. All High Street businesses or property owners who are considering a shopfront, façade or signage improvement project are encouraged to complete an EOI form. Whilst the most viable and impactful projects will be prioritised within the match-funding allocation, there is potential for additional funding to come forward in later years and for different purposes. The Project Team are keen to hear about potential future projects and to consider how best to support these.
Once the initial EOI forms are received, the Project team will review these and contact potential applicants to discuss their shopfront improvement proposals. If funding is available and these proposals are considered viable and effective, the Project Team will then invite businesses or property owners to submit a formal application for match-funding and support them through this process.
Things to consider
Undertaking any building project requires careful consideration. Things to be considered include:
• Financial implications;
• Capacity to undertake such a project;
• Clear project aims and objectives;
• Benefits and outcomes;
• Timescales for delivery;
• Method of delivery.
Prior to any application to the Shopfront Improvement Scheme, potential applicants should also consider the:
• Requirement to contribute at least 50% of the total cost of any agreed works;
• Requirement to attend meetings with the Project Team and appointed professionals;
• Requirement to oversee the delivery of the shopfront improvement works and liaise proactively with the Project Team, design team and appointed contractors;
• Requirement to enter a simple contractual agreement with B&NES Council prior to the start of any agreed works;
• Requirement to fund any agreed works up front and claim the grant-funding following completion and formal sign-off by the Project Team.
All High Street businesses or property owners who are considering a shopfront, façade or signage improvement project before 2024 are encouraged to complete an EOI form. Whilst the most viable and impactful projects will be prioritised within the match-funding allocation, there is potential for additional funding to come forward in later years and for different purposes. The HSHAZ Project Team are keen to hear about potential future projects and to consider how best to support these.