Grants will help high street shops and cafés to smarten up their act
Independent shops and businesses are being invited to smarten up their act … as they could receive up to £10,000 to help them do so.
Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has launched a £75,000 Town and Village Centre Fund to support high street businesses and landlords.
The money can be used to make improvements to shop fronts, and interiors, or to create new outdoor seating areas.
Grants of up to £10,000 can be used for exterior improvements, new businesses can apply for up to £5,000 for fitting out units, and existing hospitability businesses can apply for up to £3,000 if they want to create a new outdoor seating area for customers.
The leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Paul Harvey, said the look and feel of high streets was important as they are a focal point for communities.
“We know the look and feel of these areas are a vital part of creating places that people want to go and visit,” he said.
“We want to do all we can to support businesses in our towns and villages to thrive. This funding will enable them to improve and maintain their shop fronts and create new outdoor seating areas to encourage more customers through their doors.”
Applications for the grant scheme are now open until Friday, January 31. Works need to be completed by Saturday, March 15.
Businesses interested in applying for funding should email ukspf@basingstoke.gov.uk to discuss their proposals before making an application.
Pre-application information is on the council’s website, www.basingstoke.gov.uk/town-and-village-centre-fund
Funding for the scheme comes from the government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.