New plans have been unveiled showing improvements to Hanham High Street which are set to total almost £400,000. The planned improvements include refurbishing the public toilets, making the area more attractive to walk and cycle - by installing new paving and bike stands - and adding more seating.
Proposals also state that new signs will be installed to "make it easier to find local places of interest" and there will be more planters and increased planting in verges to enhance the overall look of the high street, too. South Gloucestershire Council said it had developed the package of improvements by listening to residents and business owners.
The improvements will be funded through the West of England Combined Authority's Love Our High Street fund. The council also plans to work with the local community to create public art on some properties along the High Street.
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Councillor Leigh Ingham, cabinet member for communities and local place, said: “We are committed to supporting our local high streets. Our high streets have faced a number of challenges in recent years including the Covid pandemic, the rising popularity of online shopping and the cost-of-living crisis but we hope we can help local traders and high streets find opportunities in these challenging times.
“I am pleased that we have been able to secure this funding to help make a difference in Hanham, improving the character and overall look and feel which in turn will bring benefit to local residents, visitors to the area and local businesses.”
In 2020 South Gloucestershire Council carried out a survey asking local people what they thought of Hanham High Street and what improvements they would like to see. Areas of importance that locals identified included improving trees, plants and green space, improving paving and the inclusion of additional outside seasting.
Since then, the council has continued to work with the Hanham High Street Partnership Group, which includes Hanham Parish Council and local traders. Work is expected to start on the improvements later this year.
Those interested in keeping up to date with the project can sign up for the new Hanham High Street newsletter, via the project website. The proposals will be on show at Hanham Library throughout the month of July (during library opening hours.
