Midsomer Norton Town Hall is set to undergo a radical transformation with works expected to start at the end of the summer.

The work is part of the Midsomer Norton High Street Heritage Action Zone programme and funded by Historic England, Midsomer Norton Town Council and B&NES Council.

Under the banner Revitalise Your High Street the money awarded to Midsomer Norton came in at a total of £2.21million

That was • Historic England - £981,000 • WECA LoHS - £750,000 • B&NES - £300,000 • Midsomer Norton Town Council - £45,000 • Midsomer Norton Community Trust - £25,000 • ERDF's 'Welcome Back' Fund - £24,000 • Historic England 'Cultural Programme' - £85,000

Building work are scheduled to start in September this year.

One critic of the scheme and the costs involved has claimed that the scheme is not value for money, posting : " The Public Works Loan Board application for £1.5m will cost the Midsomer Norton taxpayer £2.4m. Where is the benefit? Where was the consultation? "

The hall was originally a market hall and dates from 1859. Over the years has been used for a variety of purposes and sub divided into smaller offices and rooms, said to no longer be fit for purpose.

"After all the planning it is great to know that work is actually going to start shortly to unlock the true potential of this much-loved building. Having the Market Hall reinstated at street level on the High Street, adjacent to the redeveloped Market Square at the Island, will enable us to run markets, events and activities to draw more people to the town centre. At the same time, conserving the Town Hall and improving its facilities will be a huge boost to the 100+ community groups who support some of the most vulnerable members of our community ", said Town Clerk, of Midsomer Norton Town Council Donna Ford.

Regional Director at Historic England Rebecca Barrett said: "We're delighted that works to the Town Hall are ready to begin. The project is a key part of the High Street Heritage Action Zone and, along with works to The Island, will create an exciting new public space for markets, arts and cultural events." 

Groups who use the current Midsomer Norton Town Hall will be offered space at Unit 14 while works are underway. Photo when it opened earlier this year.

About High Streets Heritage Action Zones

The High Streets Heritage Action Zones is a £95 million government-funded programme led by Historic England. You can see more details on what has and is already planned for Midsomer Norton HERE

Work on the interior of the Town Hall forms a key part of the HSHAZ project.

This represents Phase 1 for which the Midsomer Norton Town Council and the Town Trust have already secured planning and listed building consent (18/01638/FUL and 18/01639/LBA). These permissions were granted in 2018.

As mentioned Midsomer Norton has also benefited from the European Regional Development Fund 'Welcome Back Fund' getting £24,000 to pay for temporary toilet facilities alongside the repair and renewal of High Street signage, seating and recycling bins.