£20 million town centre refurbishment complete in Weston-super-Mare

North Somerset Council has completed a programme of shop refurbishments in Weston‑super‑Mare town centre, supported by £20 million of Government funding. 

Funded by the Local Regeneration Fund, the programme has focused on improving several vacant and underused units on the High Street and within the Sovereign Shopping Centre as part of the council’s Improving Weston programme.

Refurbishment details

Four High Street properties were refurbished between November 2024 and September 2025, with upgrades including new shopfronts, repairs and energy efficiency improvements. One unit at 57 High Street is now occupied by Warrens Bakery, while others are available or being marketed.

At 67 and 69 High Street, two smaller units have been combined to create a larger, more flexible retail space. Refurbishment at 73 High Street has also been completed, with the unit ready for future businesses.

Inside the Sovereign Shopping Centre, two units have been upgraded to improve their condition and energy performance, with the aim of making them more suitable for prospective occupiers.

The improvements across all sites include measures to reduce energy use and running costs.

The project has also aided the local economy, with contractor Bray & Slaughter spending over £200,000 with North Somerset suppliers, also creating employment opportunities through work with Growing at Grove Park CIC.

Project award

The project has also received external recognition, with North Somerset Council and contractor Bray & Slaughter winning a Civic Society Award for the High Street refurbishments. The award highlights the quality of the work, including the restoration of historic shopfronts, improved accessibility and energy-efficient upgrades, and reflects the positive contribution the scheme is beginning to make to the town centre.

Comments

Cllr Mark Canniford, cabinet member for sustainable places at North Somerset Council, said: “These improvements are about more than upgrading buildings. They’re about giving Weston’s town centre the confidence to grow again – with the aim to attract businesses, increase footfall and create spaces where people want to spend time.

“Seeing Warrens Bakery open in a restored High Street unit shows exactly the kind of impact this investment can have. It’s a positive step toward a more vibrant, sustainable town centre that works for residents, businesses and visitors alike.”