Investment brings fresh life to Weston’s High Street and The Sovereign Centre

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. 

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, helping make the spaces more affordable for businesses. 

The project has also provided benefits to the local economy, with contractor Bray & Slaughter spending over £200,000 with North Somerset suppliers. It also created employment opportunities and supported community activity through work with Growing at Grove Park CIC. 

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.” 

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. 

Are you interested in one of the spaces? 

North Somerset Council has appointed Carter Jonas to act as its letting agent so anyone interested in renting a commercial property should call their property consultancy and estate agent line on 0117 363 5693 or visit their website at www.carterjonas.co.uk/commercial-properties. 

The High Street and Sovereign Centre refurbishments form part of North Somerset Council’s wider placemaking vision for Weston‑super‑Mare, backed by a £20 million Local Regeneration Fund award. Alongside large-scale projects such as the Tropicana, Marine Lake, Birnbeck Pier and Grove Park, these High Street investments focus on everyday spaces that define how people experience the town. 

With refurbished units now open, let or actively marketed, the council expects the improvements to help stimulate further investment, support local jobs and strengthen the town centre for the long term. 

This project is part of North Somerset Council’s ambitious placemaking vision for Weston, made possible thanks to its successful bid for £20m from the UK government. Find out more at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/improvingweston.