A project to transform Midsomer Norton Town Hall is progressing at pace as part of the wider £2.5m High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) to regenerate the town centre.

The construction work, which began in September 2022, has seen the lower part of the building restored to its original double height, which will lead to the reinstatement of a modern and accessible Market Hall providing new community facilities.

The celebration of Midsomer Norton’s cultural identity is continuing with fourteen new banners that will be installed along the High Street next week to showcase all that Midsomer Norton has to offer.

The design work has been community led with designs referencing the Town Hall, the amphitheatre in the Town Park, the River Somer, the Midsomer Norton Knight and the Somerset and Dorset Railway. The design also includes vintage maps from 1929 showing what the High Street would have looked like nearly one hundred years ago.

Looking ahead, the HSHAZ will provide a new multi-use Market Square at the Island, improve shopfronts and signage along the High Street and enhance the public realm and Conservation Area within the town centre. Works on the Market Square are expected to start later this year.

Phase one of the HSHAZ project is being carried out by the community in partnership with Bath & North East Somerset Council, with funding and support provided by Historic England, the West of England Combined Authority’s ‘Love Our High Streets’ grant programme and Midsomer Norton Town Council.

Subject to future fundraising, Phase two of the project proposes to build a modern extension on the side of the Town Hall to accommodate office space.

Councillor Mark Roper, cabinet member for Economic Development, Regeneration and Growth, said: “The construction work on the Town Hall transformation is making great progress and the results have already made a dramatic difference inside the building. I’ve visited the construction site and I can already see this going to be a wonderful community asset and I’ve been very pleased to see the work of the community to design these striking banners to promote the town and strengthen its cultural identity.

Rebecca Barrett, Regional Director at Historic England, said: “I’ve been lucky enough to see first-hand the works underway to bring the Town Hall back to life as a vibrant Market Hall. We’re excited too about the installation of the banners along the High Street; the culmination of a project that has involved so many across the community. These are just two of the Heritage Action Zone projects celebrating Midsomer Norton’s history – we’re pleased to be playing our part in making them happen, recognising the important role of heritage and culture in creating successful places that people can be proud of.”

Councillor Lynda Robertson, Mayor of Midsomer Norton Town Council, said: “When the Town Hall is complete it will be an amazing space for the community to use and the outside space, namely the Island, will also give space for numerous events. I like the idea of the shops on the High Street being able to brighten up their frontage and I think the banners will be a major point of interest for everyone. Everything going on in our town will encourage more people to come here to shop and relax and, therefore, to enhance the businesses. This is something that is very important.”

For more information of the progress of the Market Hall Reinstatement construction works and the HSHAZ programme visit the project website at: yourmidsomernorton.co.uk/project-updates