New grants programme launched in Wiltshire to boost high streets
The Council wants to being empty shops back into use
A new grants programme's being set up in Wiltshire, to help bring empty shops and commercial spaces back into use.
The Council's launching the 'Vibrant Wiltshire' scheme |newtab)in the New Year, offering up to ÂŁ10,000 of support to small or micro businesses, towards leasing or renting business spaces in town centres.
The eligible areas have been agreed with 22 town and parish councils - they include Amesbury, Downton, Ludgershall, Mere, Pewsey, Salisbury, Tidworth, Tisbury, and Wilton - with other locations across the rest of Wiltshire.
The types of businesses eligible may provide services or offer creative, cultural and community uses.
Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said:
“The Vibrant Wiltshire grants programme will help small businesses to fill empty shops and commercial units in high streets throughout Wiltshire, attracting more visitors and improving the vibrancy of our market towns.
“We’re committed to creating and supporting vibrant town centres in our Business Plan, and that’s why we’ve invested £1 million a year for four years into the Wiltshire Towns Programme, with £500,000 of that being allocated to Vibrant Wiltshire grants.
“We are aware of the impact empty units have on our high streets and are supporting local businesses to move into town centre locations and add to the existing shopping and service options. We are pleased to provide flexibility through the programme, which will support both the permanent and temporary uses of premises.”
Ruth Lambert, of the Federation of Small Businesses in Wiltshire, said:
“These new grants will help to support local support businesses to take the leap into new high street premises, which may be a move they could not currently afford alone.
“Not only will these grants help those businesses to grow, they will also help to boost the vibrancy of Wiltshire towns that other small businesses are already based in, making them more appealing to customers and staff alike.”