South Gloucestershire Council is launching a new grants programme to support landlords, property owners and businesses and to bring vacant commercial high street units back into use across the region.
The Vacant Commercial Property Grant Scheme opens on 22 January and will be available to landlords with vacant commercial high street properties, and for new and existing businesses and enterprises looking to start trading on eight targeted high street areas:
- Chipping Sodbury
- Downend
- Filton
- Hanham
- Kingswood
- Staple Hill
- Station Road – Yate
- Thornbury.
The maximum grant award amounts range from £2,500 to £25,000. The types of things that can be funded by the grant include extensions and improvements to the building, fit out costs and new equipment that is integral to the business providing services. Match funding of 25 per cent is required from those applying.
South Gloucestershire Council’s Service Director for Place Emma Blackham said: “We want our high streets to thrive and recognise that empty units can blight a neighbourhood which is why we have launched the Vacant Commercial Property Grant scheme. The grants will help bring empty units back in to use and bring new life to the high street, attracting more visitors, creating new jobs and improving the vibrancy of our high streets.”
The closing date for applications is 30 June 2023. However, we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis, so the funding may be allocated before that date.
This initiative has been funded by the West of England Combined Authority through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, administered by the West of England Combined Authority.
To find out more visit our website www.southglos.gov.uk/empty-units-grant
