• Swindon & Wiltshire Retail
• Thursday January 4 2024
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Wiltshire Council launches £500,000 grants scheme to bring empty shops back into use

Wiltshire Council has launched a new £500,000 grants scheme in a bid to bring empty shops back into use.

The Vibrant Wiltshire grants programme, which is part of the Wiltshire Towns Programme, opens this month and will be available for businesses that open premises in targeted town centre areas throughout the county.

The grants are worth up to £10,000 and will support small or micro businesses, including new start-ups, who wish to lease or rent a previously empty commercial property in a town centre location.

Towns covered by the scheme include Amesbury, Bradford on Avon, Calne, Chippenham, Corsham, Cricklade, Devizes, Downton, Ludgershall, Malmesbury, Marlborough, Melksham, Mere, Pewsey, Royal Wootton Bassett, Salisbury, Tidworth, Tisbury, Trowbridge, Warminster, Westbury and Wilton.

Cllr Richard Clewer, leader of Wiltshire Council and cabinet member for economic development, said: The Vibrant Wiltshire grants programme will help small businesses to fill empty shops and commercial units in high streets throughout Wiltshire, attracting more visitors and improving the vibrancy of our market towns.

“We’re committed to creating and supporting vibrant town centres in our Business Plan, and that’s why we’ve invested £1 million a year for four years into the Wiltshire Towns Programme, with £500,000 of that being allocated to Vibrant Wiltshire grants.

“We are aware of the impact empty units have on our high streets and are supporting local businesses to move into town centre locations and add to the existing shopping and service options. We are pleased to provide flexibility through the programme, which will support both the permanent and temporary uses of premises.”

Ruth Lambert, of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “These new grants will help to support local support businesses to take the leap into new high street premises, which may be a move they could not currently afford alone.

“Not only will these grants help those businesses to grow, but they will also help to boost the vibrancy of Wiltshire towns that other small businesses are already based in, making them more appealing to customers and staff alike.”

Applications can be made by business owners or directors of registered independent businesses, charities or social enterprises, or sole traders or self-employed individuals, who are bringing a new business to a town centre or relocating a current business within a town centre.

A signed lease for the premises is required. Applications must be submitted to Wiltshire Council by February 15.

Pictured: Royal Wootton Bassett High Street