News / High Street
£1.3m allocated to bring vacant Bristol business premises back into use
Companies can apply for up to £10,000 in grant funding to give vacant commercial units a new lease of life.
Part of a scheme to revive Bristol city centre and high streets, the money is designed to reduce the number of buildings standing empty while supporting businesses to open new premises.
New or expanding small or micro-sized businesses, charities, community and voluntary organisations or social enterprises are all eligible to apply for the funding to help bring premises back into permanent or temporary use.
Bristol City Council says it as allocated more than £100,000 from the £1.3m pot available since early February, supporting businesses across a range of sectors.
To apply, businesses must be looking to lease or rent a currently vacant commercial premises in the city centre or on one of Bristol’s 46 high streets.
Craig Cheney, deputy mayor and cabinet member for finance, said: “We are committed to the recovery of the city centre and Bristol’s high streets. To support small businesses, we have allocated £1.3m to fill vacant premises, helping to diversify our high streets, employ local people, encourage people to shop locally and make Bristol a better place for all of our residents.”
The council has appointed a dedicated grant advisor to help manage the grant programme and support businesses through the application process.
The size of the grant awarded is dependent on the length of lease or rental agreement. Applicants are expected to match any award granted by at least 20 per cent.
The funding can be used to cover a range of activities from building works, improvements and modifications to new equipment, shop fittings and display units.
Companies can apply for up to £10,000 in grant funding to give vacant commercial units a new lease of life – photo: Ellie Pipe
Applicants will need to demonstrate how their business will benefit the high street and residents, by adding diversity to the area, employing local people or people from under-represented groups, adopting the real Living Wage, improving disabled access and facilities and demonstrating a clear commitment to sustainability.
Further information and guidance on how to apply are available on the council’s Vacant Commercial Property Grant webpage. Potential applicants can also register to join a free webinar to find out more and discuss the scheme.
People who have questions or need support to complete the application form can email grant advisor James Crover via crover.james@bristol.gov.uk.
The vacant commercial property grant scheme forms part of the wider City Centre and High Streets Recovery and Renewal programme, which has received funding from the West of England Combined Authority’s Love our High Street project.
Main photo: Bristol City Council
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