Weston-super-Mare placemaking scheme wins regional property award

North Somerset Council’s Heritage and Design team has won ‘Placemaking Project of the Year’ at this year’s Insider South West Property Awards for its restoration of buildings on Walliscote Road in Weston-super-Mare.

The project included work to enhance five Victorian buildings and the 1930s grade II-Listed Plaza cinema. The Magdala Buildings – 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 Walliscote Road – were designed by architect Hans Price and built in 1870.

Not only were these historic buildings maintained and restored, four previously derelict and boarded-up retail units were brought back to use for communities and local businesses. Nine new one- and two-bedroom apartments were also created above the units to provide housing for 22 people.

The work was instigated and managed by North Somerset Council through Historic England’s national Heritage Action Zones programme. It was achieved through investment from Historic England, the UK government and private sector partners.

Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s executive member responsible for Heritage Action Zones, said: “The transformation of our historic buildings in Weston-super-Mare over the last four years has been remarkable. Walliscote Road is once again a vibrant place with independent businesses occupying previously derelict retail units, providing a real boost to the local economy. It’s fantastic to see the buildings as they are today – restored and preserved for current and future generations. I’m delighted that we won this accolade, and have been recognised alongside such worthy regional projects.”

The award ceremony took place on Thursday 10 October in Bristol. A full list of all the winners is available on the Insider website here.

More information about North Somerset Council’s Heritage Action Zone programmes is available on its website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/heritageactionzone

Before and after photos of the buildings in Walliscote Road.