A grant funding scheme that aims to encourage repairs, renovations and enhancements to business frontages in Burnham-On-Sea town centre is still open for applications.
The Burnham Businesses Frontage Improvement Grant scheme, operated by the Town Council, still has funds available to help independent retail, commercial properties and owners of vacant retail units.
Town Centre Manager Bev Milner Simonds said: “We have had some successful applications and works are underway on these properties, but we still have funds available for other businesses.”
“There are two grants available; Grant 1 is for works up to £1000 and is 100% funding and Grant 2 is for larger schemes and is a 50% grant.”
“Shop fronts and business frontages are the most clearly visible part of a building’s façade and they make a big impact on the appearance on the town centre.”
“They contribute to people’s first impression of the town and their condition can affect the town’s image, either positively or negatively.”
“Shop fronts and business frontages that are in poor condition and showing signs of neglect are often used as indicators of economic decline. High quality fronts can make a town feel more welcoming to locals and visitors, improve its image, contribute towards a stronger sense of identity and, importantly, encourage a greater number of shopping visits by locals and visitors alike.”
The scheme operates by encouraging applications from owners and tenants of retail and commercial properties in Burnham town centre, to enable repairs and improvements to be made to the front of their properties.
There is up to £25,000 available in total from the Section 106 monies paid to the council due to the Tesco store expansion. Applications are open now.
Guidance notes are available to help you understand the aims of the scheme these and the application form are available from the Town Centre Manager at bostowncentremanager@gmail.com or the town council.
