The South Gloucestershire Conservatives are delighted to see almost £400,000 of investment going into Hanham High Street.
The revamp project will help breathe new life into the town and ensure that the High Street continues to be a popular destination for local people.
The plans include refurbishing the public toilet block on the corner of Laburnum Road, installing new planters and benches, and improving the bus stops and street signs. New murals and public artworks will also be installed to help revitalise the High Street.
The package of upgrades, which totals £395,000 and which was developed in partnership with traders and the local community, follows efforts from Hanham’s Conservative councillors to ensure the town is given the investment it needs to thrive in future years.
Cllr June Bamford, Conservative ward member for Hanham on South Glos Council, said: “I am thrilled to see this significant investment coming to Hanham. High streets across the country have struggled in recent years due to changing consumer behaviour, and it’s good to see that here in South Glos we are committed to doing as much as we can to help local businesses.”
In order to help high streets such as Hanham’s, the South Glos Conservatives have ensured that it remains free to park in all Council-owned car parks across the district. This is a long-standing commitment from the Conservatives, who want to see this policy retained for as long as possible.
Cllr Brenda Langley, who also represents Hanham on South Glos Council, said: “The programme of works to improve the High Street is really exciting, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it will look when it’s finished.
“New planters, benches and street signs, along with the retention of free parking, will make the High Street look much more appealing and should help to increase footfall in the years to come.”
Cllr Matt Pitts, who sits on Hanham Parish Council and who will be standing as a candidate in May’s district council elections, said: “This investment is just what Hanham needs. The plans have already created a bit of a buzz locally, so I’m keen to see the project get off the ground later this year.”
The investment has been obtained by South Gloucestershire Council through the West of England Combined Authority’s (WECA) Love of High Streets Fund.
Over the past year, the Labour WECA Mayor had sought to close down the Love Our High Streets fund established by the previous Conservative Mayor. But the unitary authorities that make up WECA (South Glos Council, Bristol Council and Bath and North East Somerset Council) resisted this move.
As a result, Hanham is now set to benefit from this vital investment fund.
Detailed designs will be put together over the summer and work is expected to start early next year.
