This article was published on June 7, 2018 and information contained within may now be out of date.
East Lindsey District Council have announced a new £120,000 Shop Front Grant Scheme will launch in July, aiming to help independent shop owners to improve their shop fronts in towns across East Lindsey.
The Council agreed £120,000 of funding to the scheme in its 2018/ 19 budget and it has now agreed the criteria for applications. The scheme was discussed at the Spilsby Business Partnership meeting in May.
This a massively positive step that will allow us to help directly improve the High Street in our towns and hopefully make the town more appealing for shoppers and visitors.Councillor Adam Grist, East Lindsey District Council
The Council has previously run two Shop Front Grant Schemes, the most recent of which awarded over £45,000 to 24 successful applicants across the District.
Under the new scheme applicants will be able to bid for between £3,000 and £10,000 with the Council paying up to 60% of total costs for the reinstatement of historic architectural details and historic features. It is hoped that the larger maximum grant amount will lead to more significant investment in premises and, therefore, a greater impact on the look of the High Street.
To be eligible to apply, applicants must be based in one of the following eight town centres: Alford, Coningsby, Horncastle, Louth, Mablethorpe, Skegness, Spilsby or Sutton on Sea. Applications are restricted to independent premises only. Priority will also be given to installation of traditional shopfronts, in order to restore the character of a building.
Portfolio Holder for Market Towns and the Rural Economy, Councillor Adam Grist, said: “This a massively positive step that will allow us to help directly improve the High Street in our towns and hopefully make the town more appealing for shoppers and visitors. We are acutely aware that independent retailers are facing challenges times but by working with businesses and making this investment we hope it’ll encourage more people to shop locally and support our business community.”
In July, the Council will consider the introduction of a Manufacturing Growth Incentive Scheme for manufacturing businesses looking to grow in the District. The Scheme would offer the businesses a discretionary refund on the business rates payable on the additional floor space they’re looking to create. If approved, applications will be judged on various factors including the size of new premises, employment opportunities and overall economic impact.
