(Grant Applications currently suspended but you can still register an expression of interest lower down this page)
The purpose of the Shop Front Improvement Scheme is to create a more appealing and attractive high street.
Many of the town’s older buildings have had poor quality alterations which detract from the original heritage of the townscape. Some of the newer buildings also have a poor appearance due to neglect.
This means the town centre fails to capitalise on its potential as a destination based on its historic townscape and presents an impression of degeneration.
To support existing traders/businesses, we are offering shop front building improvement grants to allow businesses to diversify their offer or to undertake physical improvements.
Grants of up to 80% of the design and build costs are available to reinstate historic features, including timber sash windows, slate roofs, timber shop fronts, brickwork pointing and guttering and also to create residential use of upper floors.
Not only will this enhance the value and appeal of each individual shop, but collectively will have a tremendous impact on the appearance of Kirkham, reviving it as a historic market town that people want to visit and locals want to shop in.
These grants are a fantastic opportunity to have your shopfront improved and building repaired at minimal cost to yourself.
However, funding is limited and business owners are advised to submit their expressions of interest now to avoid missing out.
Shopkeepers and commercial landlords interested in registering an interest for a Shop Front Improvement Scheme grant can register here
For those of you interested in finding out more about historic shopfronts please go to https://historicengland.org.uk/services-skills/training-skills/online-training/webinars/recordings/webinar-on-reinstating-historic-shopfronts-with-grant-aid/