Shopfront improvement grant scheme

We offer grant support towards repairs and enhancement works to shop fronts in town and village centres. Grants are available for up to 80% of eligible costs with a minimum grant of £500 and up to a maximum of £3,000 per property.

The aim of the scheme is to:

• enhance the shopping environment in town and village centres;
• restore historical features to enhance the conservation identity of civic centres;
• remove areas of neglect/ blight from the high street;
• improve the socio-economic performance of town centres.

Eligibility

All settlements in the Scottish Borders will be eligible (except Kelso).  Properties within Kelso town centre will be eligible for funding under the Sainsbury's Shop Front Improvement Grant Scheme or the Kelso townscape heritage initiative.

Commercial properties within town and village centres can apply for funding including retail outlets; cafes/ restaurants/ public houses; financial/ professional services; and tourism/ leisure facilities. Due to limited funding, priority will be given to those applicants who seek to refurbish and improve properties which are:

• currently vacant;
• key buildings in prominent locations;
• within designated areas of prime retail frontage and/ or conservation areas;
• most impact on their particular town / village centre.

How to apply

To apply download and complete the shopfront improvement scheme application form. Completed applications should be sent to Julie Hogg, Environment & Infrastructure, Scottish Borders Council, Council Headquarters, Newtown St Boswells, TD6 0SA. Applications will be considered by an Assessment Panel.

Deadlines

Grants will be assessed in 2 rounds. Applications should be submitted before the following deadlines:

• Round 1 - Friday 8 June 2012
• Round 2 - Friday 31 August 2012

For further information contact Julie Hogg or download the guidance notes for applicants.