A TEAM led by architecture practice We Made That has been appointed by North Somerset Council to design solutions for three Weston improvement projects.

The projects, which are possible thanks to the council’s successful bid for £20 million from the UK government’s Levelling Up Fund, are Grove Park, Marine Lake and wayfinding, which aims to encourage people to move around the seafront and town centre.

Working with Super Culture, We Made That will be hosting a series of engagement events so that locals can get involved and help to shape proposed designs for the projects, which are part of the council's placemaking vision for the town.

On Saturday, June 1, a Grove Park Gathering will be held between noon and 4pm, which will give people the chance to learn more about the fund programme and share their memories and experiences of Grove Park, Marine Lake and the town centre.

This family-friendly event is free and open to everyone.

Attendees will be encouraged to take part in a range of imaginative activities to help get creative ideas flowing, such as illustration and arts and crafts.

Meanwhile, Sprout Café will serve up Middle Eastern food with Global Kitchen, which has been made possible thanks to funding from Refugees Welcome North Somerset and Loves Café.

Live music will be performed on the bandstand during the event.

Councillor Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council’s executive member for spatial planning, placemaking and economy, said: “The Levelling Up Funded programme will help reinvent iconic heritage buildings, support local businesses, create new jobs, and deliver a year-round experience-led economy for the future.

"Investment is focussed on making maximum impact at several high-profile sites across Weston’s town centre and seafront.

“It’s a key priority for the council to involve the local community in shaping plans, and one of the reasons that we chose We Made That as our preferred supplier.

"I urge people to come along and get involved in this exciting event. Now’s your chance to make a difference and directly influence positive change in our town.”

Councillor Mike Solomon, the council's executive member responsible for seafronts, parks and culture, added: “We’re often asked about these much-loved places, and it’s fantastic to have this opportunity to transform the culture, leisure and retail experience for residents, business, and visitors.

"I’m excited to see impactful designs, and ultimately positive change, emerging from this programme of engagement.”

Holly Lewis, co-founding partner at We Made That, said: “We’re thrilled to be supporting North Somerset Council and the communities of Weston-super-Mare to deliver meaningful improvements to some of their favourite places, including Grove Park and Marine Lake."