Published: 31/03/2018
ALMOST £60,000 has been awarded to businesses in the borough to improve the appearance of their commercial premises.
So far grants have been awarded to 26 businesses in Copeland as part of Copeland Borough Council’s building grants scheme.
Businesses can apply for up to £5,000 for improvements to shopfronts, 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 Council has received over 170 enquires from Copeland businesses so far. The scheme is open to all commercial premises in the borough (excluding industrial estates and business parks) and the closing date for applications is September 1, 2018.
Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland, has pledged £500k to the scheme which will attract at least a further £500k from the private sector. So far grants have been awarded to undertake works on the following business premises:
Whitehaven; Sporthouse, The Vine, Shakers, Senhouse Centre, Savvy, Flower Basket, Union Hall, Dixons, PFK, Oriental Garden, Humbug Sweet Shop, La Chic, Sportzone, Tutis Foster Care, Corner Deli.
Millom: Cambridge House Hotel, Stag’s Gents Hair Salon, Citizens Advice, Pet Shop, Bed Shop, Deano’s Place.
In Egremont, grants have been awarded to Spuds & Co, Star Takeaway and Unique You. In addition, the Town Council building in Cleator Moor and Haverigg Post Office have also been awarded grants.
Mr Starkie launched the scheme in July 2017. He said: “I’m delighted that the response has been so overwhelmingly positive to this project.
“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 help us, and the community continue to create a place where people are proud to live, work and visit.
“This Council is delighted to be at the forefront of helping to make this happen.”
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.
