News / High Street
£4.7m to help Bristol’s high streets recover in wake of pandemic
There are plans to bring 150 vacant properties back into use as part of a £4.7m recovery package for Bristol’s high streets and city centre.
The aim of the funding, earmarked by the council and West of England Combined Authority (WECA), is to help spearhead regeneration and enable businesses to build back in the wake of the pandemic.
It will be spread across 47 high streets in the city, with the initial focus on Stockwood, Church Road, Shirehampton, Filwood Broadway, Filton Avenue, Stapleton Road, Brislington Hill, East Street and Two Mile Hill.
The money will be used to “improve the look and feel” of high streets, increase footfall and reduce the number of vacant premises by providing financial support to open new businesses, which might include hospitality venues or creative spaces.
Church Road is one of nine high streets in Bristol set to receive initial support as part of a citywide funding package – photo by Ellie Pipe
Bristol City Council is aiming to bring 150 vacant properties back into permanent use, increasing the diversity of their use across the existing sites in a bid to drive footfall, with businesses being able to apply for funding later this year.
Nicola Beech, cabinet member for strategic design and city planning, said: “Investment in our high streets and city centre is needed more than ever. During 2020 many of us have relied on our local shops but a number of our high streets have increasing vacancy rates and are in serious need of some tender, loving care.
“This investment will support diversifying our high streets, making more attractive spaces and reduce vacancy rates by providing grants to open new shops, hospitality and creative spaces.”
In total, £2m will come from the Mayor’s Capital Recovery Fund and a further £2.725m from WECA’s Love our High Streets Fund has been ringfenced for Bristol.
The money is set to be confirmed by Bristol City Council’s cabinet and WECA as part of a full business case this summer.
The council says it will work with businesses, residents, community groups, the creative and events sector and other stakeholders to make sure grants and improvements match the challenges facing each high street.
There are plans to bring 150 vacant properties back into use as part of the recovery package – photo by Simon Holliday
The support package also contains a new £1m high street grant fund, which includes funding for capital and revenue costs and will be available across all 47 of the city’s high streets to support new businesses.
Regional mayor Tim Bowles says he wants the funding to go towards revitalising areas that have been hit hard by Covid-19 restrictions.
“I want to re-invigorate the neighbourhoods we all care about so that residents have everything they need within a 15-minute walking or cycling radius of their home, including decent, well-paid jobs, local shops and restaurants, leisure and cultural activities, and green infrastructure. The pandemic brought into focus how important this is, and with a combined authority in the West of England, we have the tools to make it happen.”
Businesses will be able to apply for funding later this year once the package has been finalised. Information will be available via www.bristol.gov.uk/business-support-advice/high-streets/recovery.
Main photo by CB Bristol Design
Read more: Launch of virtual guide for Bristol’s high streets
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