Welcome to the Midsomer Norton High Street Heritage Action Zone
Midsomer Norton’s High Street Heritage Action Zone (‘HSHAZ’) initiative is a partnership programme between local stakeholders and Historic England, the West of England Combined Authority and B&NES Council. The four-year HSHAZ programme will celebrate the history and heritage of Midsomer Norton and encourage sustainable economic and cultural growth in the town centre and nearby areas.
The Island has suffered from underinvestment for many years but new proposals for a multi-use Market Square will enhance the High Street and surrounding areas.
The ground floor of the Town Hall is divided into small rooms which are now unfit for purpose. We plan to provide new community space by reinstating the Market Hall.
Investment in the High Street is much needed. Plans to renew and improve shopfronts and buildings in the town centre are taking shape.
Community activities, like the Fayre, are central to life in Midsomer Norton. See how we plan to support arts, culture and events on the High Street.
Project Updates
Come along to our family-friendly launch event celebrating a new heritage audio trail of Midsomer Norton High Street. There will be a mini craft market, refreshments, face painting, music and creative workshops. You can also book onto a preview tour of the Midsomer Norton Town Hall Transformation Project.
Downside Abbey is one of the architectural and historical gems of Somerset. We are offering two free tours. 1) The abbey church and monastic cemetery 2) The private monastery gardens. The visitor centre will be open for light refreshments.
Join us at Waterside Valley on Tuesday 12th September for an evening bat walk led by professional bat ecologists.
We will start at 7:30pm with a brief talk about bat ecology and conservation and then go for a gentle stroll around the meadows and along the river looking and listening out for different bat species. We will use bat detectors to pick up the bats echolocations and work out what species we have recorded. We will finish up at 9:30pm.
Join the local experts behind Midsomer Norton’s new heritage audio trail and find out the real stories of some of our High Street heroes, past and present. Book in advance.
A chance to climb the Church Tower. Climb all 100 steps to take in the magnificent view from the top! This will be on Sunday 10th September, 2-5pm.
Bell ringing practice – come and see the Bells ring, perhaps have a go yourself! This will take place on Wednesday 13th September, 7:30pm-9pm.
An activity led Family Walk through Midsomer Norton Town Park and surrounding cycle paths, suitable for prams and adventurous little legs. Booking is essential.
An opportunity to visit the church with its unusual stone pillars and pulpit and an exhibition of old photographs. Take time out in a quiet peaceful space for prayer and reflection.
Friday 8 September: 10.00-12.00
Sunday 10 September: Church service 10.00-11.00
Monday 11 September: 10.00-12.00
Tuesday 12 September: 10.00-12.00
Friday 15 September: 10.00-12.00
Sunday 17 September: Church service 10.00-11.00
A fun and immersive self-guided sound walk around 12 landmark locations on Midsomer Norton High Street. Begins at St John the Baptist Church. Find the tour at www.midsomernortonaudiotrails.co.uk.
Plans are well underway for the annual family-friendly extravaganza. Attractions will include bouncy castles, face painting, Punch & Judy, a street organ, goat rides, balloon modelling, music workshops and much, much more. Parc Skateboarding are also bring a Skate Jam to the town’s world class skate park.
A free festival showcasing local performance and creativity, featuring popular acts from the area, sixth-form bands from local schools, and a community art project celebrating the High Street.