Bid to increase footfall in Northamptonshire town centre as new grant scheme for independent businesses launched
A new grant scheme for independent businesses in a Northamptonshire town centre has been launched, in a bid to increase footfall and create a “more welcoming and attractive” high street.
Businesses in Brackley could benefit from a grant of up to £10,000 to improve their premises, as West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and Brackley Town Council hope to “enhance the visual appeal and historic character of the town centre”.
The scheme is being funded through the Section 106 Brackley Town Fund, which is made up of contributions from housing developers building in the area.
Small and medium-sized businesses with a shop located within the town centre can apply for funding to use for projects such as shop front improvements and exterior upgrades, internal refurbishments or modernisation, improvements to accessibility, new equipment essential to delivering services and introducing new products or services that will drive footfall and sales.
Councillor James Petter, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at WNC said: "This new grant scheme is about investing in that future and giving local businesses the support they need to enhance their premises, expand their offer and attract more customers.
"Importantly, this programme is funded through ringfenced Section 106 monies specifically secured to support local businesses and strengthen the local economy. By reinvesting these funds back into Brackley town centre, we are ensuring that development in the area directly contributes to a more welcoming, resilient and thriving high street.
According to WNC, the grants will offer 50 percent of project costs, up to £10,000. Applications will be assessed quarterly by a grant decision panel with representatives from WNC and Brackley Town Council.