Independent traders are invited to apply for a share of £150,000 to improve their shopfronts [Maidstone Borough Council]
Independent traders in the centre of Maidstone can now apply for up to £10,000 to spend on improving their shopfronts in a bid to boost trade.
The scheme by Maidstone Borough Council is available to businesses within the town centre boundary, including shops, cafes and restaurants.
They can apply for between £5,000 and £10,000 to cover up to 80% of the overall work, which can be things like updating signage, installing lighting or fitting new windows.
Businesses interested in applying for the shopfront improvement scheme can do so via the council’s website until 27 February. A panel will decide on the applications in March.
The council said it was using £150,000 of business rates to pay for the scheme and that priority would be given to traders with “heritage value” applying from within the Kent town’s conservation area.
Grants of more than £10,000 will be considered if the project supports the council’s “town centre vision”.
Councillor Stephen Thompson, cabinet member for healthier stronger communities, said: “Attractive shopfronts are one of the most powerful ways to draw people in and boost trade, particularly when they respect and enhance the character of the building they sit within.
“Making our town centre visually appealing, while celebrating its historic fabric, is essential to creating a vibrant and welcoming environment and ensuring Maidstone remains a great place to shop.”
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