BUSINESSES in St Helens and Earlestown are set to share a £500,000 investment aimed at revitalising town centres.
St Helens Borough Council has launched a grant scheme to support businesses and help develop premises during investment and growth in recognition of the important role small businesses can play in the future of town centres.
The share of Liverpool City Region Town Centre Fund is offering small grants up to £5,000 aimed at helping smaller scale projects such as amendments and improvements to existing premises and medium sized grants up to £50,000 while are available for bigger investments such as renovations or new use of commercial space.
Grants can be used for shop floor or bar refits that will increase capacity, marketing and business planning and contributions to energy and carbon reduction, which is a key priority for the council.
The latest round of funding is another boost to the council’s plans to improve the appearance of the borough’s two town centres which have already seen significant investment over the past 12 months on Barrow Street and Earle Street as they have welcomed a mix of hospitality, commercial and residential development proposals.
Plans for later this year include festivals, pocket parks and virtual trails in a bid to attract families to St Helens and Earlestown.
Visitors will also be able to see new town centre advocates who are ready to help customers and businesses make links with the community while town centre marshals will provide added reassurance for people wanting to enjoy a night out.
Cllr Groucutt
Cllr Kate Groucutt, cabinet member for business, education and skills said: “As a council, we’re making great strides with our major regeneration plans for our town centres, recently adopting an Economic Reset and Recovery Plan which will boost our high street recovery, together with the added bonus of successfully receiving £25million in funding to support innovative projects for St Helens town centre’s regeneration and the borough’s economic recovery.
“We want our town centres to be vibrant places that residents and businesses alike can be proud of.
“That’s why we’re committed to using this funding to support further investment and growth.
“I would encourage eligible businesses to apply and let’s build back better after what has been a difficult year.”
Digital and online support will be made available for businesses, enabling them to help the council make high streets digitally accessible.
The deadline for grant applications is 5pm on Tuesday, August 31 and online forms are available by visiting https://www.sthelens.gov.uk/coronavirus/businesses-employers-and-jobs/
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