Vision unveiled to ‘make a difference’ on high street near Bristol

Proposals for improving the look and feel of the High Street in Hanham have gone on display.

South Gloucestershire Council has developed a package of improvements for the area after listening to residents and business owners.

The improvements include refurbishing the public toilets, new paving, the installation of bike stands and more seating.

There are also plans to install new signs to make it easier to find local places of interest and add new planters and increased planting in the verges.

The improvements, totalling almost £400,000, 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.

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 identified included improving trees, plants and green space, improving paving and the inclusion of additional outside seating.

Since then, there has been ongoing engagement with the Hanham High Street Partnership Group, which includes Hanham Parish Council and local traders.

When Bristol World visited Hanham last year, there was a buoyant mood from local traders despite the economic challenges faced post-pandemic.

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.”

Work is expected to start on the improvements later this year and the proposals will be on show at Hanham Library throughout July, during library opening hours. People wanting to find out more can visit www.southglos.gov.uk/hanham