The former Mad Hatters café in Shepton Mallet could help a new generation of food businesses get started after a charity secured up to £29,250 to develop plans for the building. Interim Spaces bought 19 Town Street in June and has begun stripping out and securing the property.

The Architectural Heritage Fund grant will support the work needed to establish a viable future for the premises. It will pay for surveys, architectural and heritage work, and community engagement through the government-funded Heritage Revival Fund.

Among the ideas being explored is a restaurant start-up space where emerging chefs and food businesses could test their ideas. The project could also offer opportunities for young people to gain skills and experience, although the building's future use is still being developed.

The premises have a history of feeding the town. According to Interim Spaces, the building housed Moon's bakery in the early twentieth century, followed by Lewis's butcher's shop after the war until 1988, and later Mad Hatters café.

The charity already runs several projects in Shepton, including Commercial Road Studios in the former registry offices, which accommodates 15 local artists and makers. Its building at 10 Market Place previously hosted a retail incubator and now houses Nicolle Wilson Upholstery downstairs, with classes and workshops upstairs.

The new grant takes the Town Street project a step further by funding the investigations and planning needed before restoration can progress. Residents, businesses and potential partners interested in helping shape its future can contact Interim Spaces.

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