Several storefronts in the centre of Weston-super-Mare could soon be renewed under a scheme to “level up” the area.

North Somerset Council won £20m of funding from the government’s Levelling Up Fund in January 2023 for a host of projects: funding some of the Birnbeck Pier restoration, turning the Tropicana into an 8k capacity venue, revamping Grove Park, improving the marine lake, and creating more flexible spaces for retail in the town centre.

Now — as part of the scheme — a planning application has been submitted to revamp four storefronts on the High Street: numbers 57, 67, and 69 or, as they are better known to Westonians, the former “Fone Zone,” “fone fixers,” and the vacant former “H Samuel.”

You can view and comment on the plans here: https://planning.n-somerset.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=SA6MPXLPKEX00

North Somerset Council has appointed Carter Jones to refresh the premises.

A statement submitted with their planning application said: “The proposed works and repairs are generally removing inappropriate alterations to the original building, and the new shopfronts will enhance the frontage of these buildings.”

At number 57, the shopfront and its associated signage would be replaced and the roller shutter door removed.

Meanwhile, numbers 67 and 69 would be amalgamated under the plan, in order to improve their “lettability.” The statement said: “The works will include removal of both shop frontages, roller shutter door and associated signage. Subsequently, installation of an in-keeping modern shopfront […] This will produce a joint frontage to compliment the broader building aesthetic.”

The new storefronts would be timber based. The statement said: “ The renewal of shopfronts will reinstate the spirit of the original building whilst updating the shop to meet contemporary retail standards.”