SHOP frontages in Droitwich can gain a new lease of life through the latest council grant scheme.
Wychavon District Council’s Business Front Improvement Grant offers small and medium-sized businesses up to £10,000 to upgrade the look of their premises.
Support on offer ranges from £500 to £10,000 and businesses will be expected to fund at least percent of any granted projects.
The grants can be used to fund business front repairs visible from the street, repainting in heritage colours, new signage in keeping with the character of the area, lighting and fabric roller blind awnings or canopies.
Community organisations and commercial landlords can also apply for the funding. The grant cannot be used for day to day running costs, advertising, equipment, furniture or work carried out before a grant offer was made.
Applications will be assessed on criteria including how much a project will help boost footfall, encourage occupancy of empty units, fit with Wychavon’s Shop Front Design Guide and help improve the perception of the town centre.
The location of the business, value for money, quality of the work and overall visual impact of the work will also be considered.
The grant scheme is being overseen by the Evesham and Droitwich Spa Place Boards, set up as part of Wychavon commissioned town centre investment prospectuses.
The scheme is funded from Wychavon’s share of the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Cllr Bradley Thomas, Leader of Wychavon District Council, said: “We know how a business and a place appears is a key factor when people decide where they are going to shop or do business.
“That’s why we’re supporting businesses to make any necessary changes that will not only benefit their business but boost the appearance of our town centres to everybody’s benefit.”
Visit www.wychavon.gov.uk/wychavon-business-front-improvement-grant to find out more.
