Borough council launches fund to support independent shops

As part of the borough council’s plan to ‘breathe life’ into the Top of Town, it has launched a new grant scheme for independent businesses to help improve the area.

Top of Town businesses, as well as those from other towns and villages across the borough, can now get help to fund improvements to their building after Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council opened up a £75,000 Town and Village Centre Fund to support independent high street businesses and landlords.

READ MORE: Basingstoke council plans to revitalise Top of Town

The Top of Town The funds can be used to make improvements to shop fronts, interiors and create new outdoor seating areas.

As part of the scheme, new and existing businesses will be able to apply for a grant of up to £10,000 towards the cost of improving their shop fronts and other exterior improvements, such as repainting and signage.

New businesses will also be able to apply for up to £5,000 to cover the costs of fitting out new retail or hospitality units.

And, to support a thriving café culture, hospitality businesses will also be able to apply for up to £3,000 to help them create new outdoor seating areas for their customers.

The new fund is part of the council’s targeted action plan to improve the look and feel of the Top of Town, as well as support independent retail and hospitality businesses in the borough’s other towns and villages.

Leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Cllr Paul Harvey said: “Our town centre and other high streets are the focal point for many of our communities and we know the look and feel of these areas are a vital part of creating places that people want to go and visit.

“That is why we have been working closely with businesses and taking action to make improvements to the Top of the Town to ensure it is a vibrant area that we can all be proud of.

“We want to do all we can to support businesses in the Top of the Town and our other towns and villages to thrive. This funding will enable them to improve and maintain their shop fronts and create new outdoor seating areas to encourage more customers through their doors.”

Applications for the grant scheme are now open until Friday, January 31, 2025, with works funded through the scheme needing to be completed by March 15, 2025.

Businesses interested in applying for funding should email ukspf@basingstoke.gov.uk to discuss their proposals before making an application.

Eligible businesses will then need to complete an application form providing further detail about their business, the planned works and delivery timescales, budget and supporting documents.

More information about eligibility and how to apply can be found at basingstoke.gov.uk/town-and-village-centre-fund.

The Town and Village Centre Fund is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.