Fund launched to improve town centres

UP TO 13 town centres across the East Riding are being given the chance to gain funding to help revitalise them.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council has launched a High Street Fund of up to £300,000.  The funding will be allocated via a bidding process over the course of three rounds, with places able to make more than one bid for a share of the fund.

Single groups can apply for a minimum grant of £2,000 and up to a maximum grant of £5,000. However, if two groups or more come together to work in partnership, they can apply to a maximum of £10,000. Applicants will need to demonstrate that local resources are also being invested and that there are robust local arrangements for delivering the proposals. The council will provide support and advice to groups through its regeneration and funding team.

The High Street Fund will be available to:
• Beverley
• Bridlington
• Cottingham
• Driffield
• Elloughton-cum-Brough
• Goole
• Hedon
• Hessle
• Hornsea
• Howden
• Market Weighton
• Pocklington
• Withernsea

Coun Stephen Parnaby, leader of the council, said: “The aim of the High Street Fund is to improve our town centres through regeneration activity that supports the idea of the high street as a multifunctional destination, with retail playing a part alongside community, public service, leisure, culture and civic uses.  

“We are keen to build on the experiences of our four Mary Portas pilot town schemes and encourage new and creative thinking that enables local people and businesses, to revitalise and shape the future of their high street, so that they remain a vibrant, viable part of the community.”

Coun Jane Evison, portfolio holder for economy, investment and inequalities, is encouraging business groups, community groups and town and parish councils to work together to develop exciting and workable plans to boost the attractiveness of their town centres, encourage new businesses and support both the day time and night time economy.  

She said: “The places that are eligible to apply are our main retail and service hubs. They already draw in the majority of our residents and visitors, but they could offer a lot more if retailers and other town centre businesses work together.  We have been very impressed by the results achieved using the limited ‘Portas’ money in Beverley, Bridlington, Goole and Market Weighton and we want to sustain these approaches for the longer term by providing similar ‘seedcorn’ funding.  We recognise that it will take some places longer than others to work up their ideas so the timetable for applying reflects this.”