Thanet District Council invites feedback on proposed Shop Front Design Guide

The Ramsgate High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) was set up as part of a government funded programme, administered by Historic England. It aims to unlock the potential of high streets across England. Following a successful funding application, Harbour Street and a lower section of Ramsgate High Street were designated as a HSHAZ in March 2021.

As part of the HSHAZ, the council has created a Shop Front Design Guide for the district, in partnership with designers Alan Baxter Ltd. Local people are now invited to give their feedback on the guide in an online survey on Your Voice Thanet. The short survey is open until 5pm on Friday 24 March 2024.

The visual appearance of shops has a direct impact on people’s decisions to shop on their local high street. A shop’s front is its identity and the most effective marketing tool for most high street businesses. Shop fronts also contribute to the look and feel of a high street as a whole, even when a shop is closed.

The Shop Front Design Guide provides a useful guide for shop owners, developers and building owners wanting to undertake work to shop fronts and signs, with advice on enhancing the district’s heritage buildings. It also gives guidance for new-built retail units.

Councillor Ruth Duckworth, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Property, said: “This new guide will be invaluable for business owners who want to improve the look of their shop, enhancing their business and the overall appearance of their location. A well-designed shop front has a positive effect on a high street and almost always means better business for the retailer.”

Following the engagement period, submitted feedback will be reviewed and will be used to inform the final version of the guide, which will be made available to local businesses on the council’s website.

Find out more about the Ramsgate High Street Heritage Action Zone on the council’s website.

The HSHAZ funding is for both physical improvements to heritage properties in the Harbour Street area, and also for community activities that will form part of a Cultural Programme until March 2024.

For more information, please contact communications@thanet.gov.uk or 01843 577034