The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire David Skaith launched a fund to boost our high streets today (Monday).
The £10 million Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund aims to “rejuvenate and reanimate high streets across York and North Yorkshire”.
Key objectives include helping shopping streets to expand their offer and increase events and activities that can attract residents and visitors.
Mr Skaith said the region’s town centres are “the heart of our communities” but were battling the long-term impact of lockdown, online shopping and out-of-town retail parks.
“For phase-one of the High Streets Fund, we’re welcoming grant applications from partnerships demonstrating fresh thinking and innovative ways to create vibrant, mixed-use town centres,” Mr Skaith said.
“We want to hear from organisations who are working collaboratively to create events, activities and spaces which increase footfall and staying time, while boosting a sense of community.
“As a city centre business owner in York, I understand the challenges. I want to see this new fund used to increase the resilience of our high streets, leading to thriving communities whether they’re on our coast, our urban areas or rural towns and villages.”
- Phase one is now open for applications. Applications will close on Friday 21 March
- Grants of £5,000 to £40,000 are available to local partnerships
- Successful projects will support the growth and resilience of town centres and high streets, and “will build leadership, partnership, and networking opportunities for stakeholders”
- Find out more here.
The high street investment is the first of four schemes to launch under the £27 million Mayoral Challenge Fund, which will also see programmes to strengthen key business sectors, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and boost adult vocational skills.