Published: 01/02/2018
A TRANSFORMATIONAL town centre scheme, set to revitalise the borough, has been extended to all of Copeland.
The Town Centre Regeneration Scheme launched in July last year has seen nearly £60,000 awarded to businesses in Whitehaven, Cleator Moor, Egremont, Millom and Haverigg.
Successful applicants include; Sporthouse, The Vine, Shakers, The Senhouse Centre, Savvy, The Flower Basket, Union Hall, Dixons, PFK Estate Agents, Oriental Garden, Humbugs, La Chic, Tutis Foster Care, Corner Deli, all in Whitehaven town centre.
Also receiving grants are the Town Council building in Cleator Moor, Star takeaway and 2a Main Street in Egremont; Stags Gents Salon, Citizens Advice Bureau, Pet Shop and Cambridge House Hotel in Millom, and Haverigg Post Office.
Previously the scheme was only open to business applicants in Copeland’s towns and villages, but the success of the scheme has seen the Council extend the application criteria to all commercial premises in Copeland (excluding industrial estates and business parks).
Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland, said: “The response to the scheme from the local business community has been fantastic. We’ve had over 150 enquires so far, from businesses across the borough, some of which aren’t located within a town or village, who will now be eligible for the scheme.
“Our aim is to improve the visual appearance of commercial premises, making our borough a better place to live, work and visit, and we’ve extended the scheme to ensure that we’re supporting improvements in every area of Copeland.
“We’re backing this scheme with £500,000 of council money to attract the same investment from the private sector.
“We all have enormous pride in our borough, and this funding will encourage businesses to create a premise they and the community can be proud of. This Council is delighted to be at the forefront of helping to make this happen.”
Jason Fisher, business owner of Shakers, said: “‘We were given the opportunity to spruce up the front of our bar - Shakers, the money will go directly back into the business and hopefully will promote our business and our town of Whitehaven.”
The Pride of Place scheme, launched in July 2017, encourages business owners in the borough to enhance the external appearance of their premises.
Grants are available for up to £5,000 for improvements to windows and frames, doorways, external decoration and signage. It is a 50 per cent contribution that means that businesses are required to invest in their premises to match-fund the grant.
The scheme is part of the Council’s Pride of Place campaign which encourages residents and businesses to take pride in their borough and work towards making Copeland a better place to live, work and visit.
For more information contact Copeland Council’s Economic Development Department by email at shopfront@copeland.gov.uk or by calling 01946 598433.
