MIDSOMER NORTON LIFE
13
Good Progress for the HIGH STREET Heritage Action Zone
F
ollowing 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.
