Shop fronts to get makeover thanks to grants

Harborough District Council is inviting shops in the Harborough district to apply for grants to improve their frontages.

Retailers can apply to the Council for grants, with the improvements funded through the ‘wider business support’ element of the Government’s Additional Restrictions Grant.

Cllr Phil King, Leader of Harborough District Council, said: “The appearance of the shop fronts plays a key role in the appeal of our district and can help to attract visitors to the interesting mix of what we have on offer. An attractive shopping area can encourage people to stay longer, to shop, eat, drink and meet and enjoy their leisure time.”

Jarrod Burke, Chair of Harbs Collective retailers group, said: "Harbs Collective is very supportive of this initiative. The historic character of the district factors in its uniqueness, which we want to keep whilst supporting these centres to stay vibrant and grow custom."

Sharee Jones, of Lutterworth Retail Forum, said: “This is a great opportunity for businesses or landlords, who need funding, to help bring their frontages up to a high standard and improve the overall look of the town centres and other locations.”

Priority will be given to applications which make the most significant impact and benefit to the district’s historic environments.

Businesses are advised that projects should not have started until an application is considered or approved, as funding cannot, unfortunately be applied for retrospectively.

To find out more and how to apply visit www.harborough.gov.uk/shopfront or email business@harborough.gov.uk 

Pictured: Gill Haynes, owner of Jacks for Women, and Cllr Phil King Leader of the Council