← Sovereign Centre← Sovereign Centre

As part of a microplanning strategy for Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset Council selected the Sovereign Shopping Centre as its first focal site. The project aimed to reimagine the center’s potential, addressing challenges commonly faced by high street retail across the UK, by diversifying it’s offering and embedding incubation for startup business at the centre of the town.

The project began with a mission to reimagine a landmark building that had lost its relevance. In collaboration with regional artist George Greaves, we revitalised each of the main entrances, using paint, vinyl transfers, and flags to signal the building’s transformation.

Inside, a low-cost transformation turned former retail spaces into workspaces for local startups and co-workers. Using simple, durable materials such as OSB, planed timber, linoleum, and paint, we created an adaptable and durable backdrop for various activities. Corrugated steel was incorporated to amplify natural light and underscore the project’s goal of injecting a wave of new energy into the town. New external openings were introduced to the facade and roof, allowing natural light to flood the interiors. 

Elsewhere, previously inward-facing units were reconfigured and relevelled to form a beach-facing bike hub and café, connecting the space more actively with its surroundings.