Grants of up to £30k to help Worcester property owners enhance their premises
It's part of a wider plan to regenerate the area around Angel Place
Owners of under-occupied properties across Worcester are being urged to apply for their share of a £17 million funding pot.
The City Council is offering grants of up to £30,000 to owners of properties with empty bedrooms, in the northern part of the city centre.
As part of the major regeneration of the area, homeowners are encouraged to invest in their buildings and attract new tenants.
In some cases, the Property Enhancement Grant Scheme will also be offered to the tenants of properties located in Angel Street and The Cross.
A 'fantastic' opportunity for businesses
Councillor Lucy Hodgson said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses in the Angel Place and Cross areas to improve the appearance of their property, with up to three quarters of the cost covered by a grant from the City Council."
The grant will cover up to 75% of the total cost of the works, excluding professional fees.
Applications are welcomed from groups of businesses and individuals seeking to improve joint frontage or a communal area and facilitate active use of vacant floorspace.
"This offer is part of our wider plan to regenerate the area around Angel Place by improving its leisure, cultural and entertainment offer in a bid to attract greater numbers of visitors and shoppers," Ms Hodgson added.
Long-term plans for the city centre
Over the next five years, the former Scala Theatre in Angel Place and the Corn Exchange buildings will be fully refurbished and will re-open as a major new theatre and performing arts venue.
Other buildings in the area, including the former Co-op retail unit, will be converted into residential, office and leisure facilities.
All grants are discretionary and subject to the availability of funds.
Moreover, the inclusion of a building within the eligible area doesn't give any automatic entitlement to a grant.