Building Repair and Shop Front Improvement Grants now available for Chard building owners and tenant
Released On 21st Jan 2022
As part of the Chard High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ), owners of properties in Chard town centre can now apply for a grant to help renovate and revitalise their frontages.
With almost the entire town centre of Chard being designated a conservation area, improving the condition of its buildings is an important part of its regeneration.
The HSHAZ Building Repair and Shop Front Improvement Grant Scheme is now open, with grants available for up to 70% of eligible costs for the repair and renovation of historic buildings and shop fronts. The Scheme will run until March 2024 with applications accepted until 1st September 2023.
We encourage owners of town centre properties, or tenants responsible for maintenance, to view the Grant Scheme Guidance, which includes details on eligibility and how to apply.
Those who are eligible for grants are invited to contact our Chard HSHAZ Project Manager, Anna Matthews, for an initial conversation to discuss their potential project. After this, applicants will be required to complete an application form.
Anna Matthews, Chard HSHAZ Project Manager,
email: chardregen@southsomerset.gov.uk, phone: 01935 462958
Cllr Jason Baker, Portfolio Holder for Chard Regeneration, said, "We are very pleased to be able to support local businesses with the repair and rejuvenation of their premises. An attractive shop front will help drive visitors to businesses and repairs to front elevations will improve the experience of the high street as a whole. We hope that all eligible property owners or tenants take up this time-limited opportunity."
Similar grant schemes have taken place across the country, including Falmouth High Street. Here is what business owners from Falmouth had to say after the renovation:
"Trade has always been steady with regular customers but now the building looks more attractive this obviously appeals to new customers and is exciting".
"This is one of the best things we have done business wise"
"Trade has definitely increase, as a result of the works, within our building and the town. The works completed by the scheme has uplifted Falmouth which is now a well visited town throughout the year"
To help ensure that shops front in Chard are suited to the town's character, a formal consultation for a new Chard Shop Front Design Guide is also currently underway. Everyone with an interest in Chard's town centre is invited to share their views on the draft guide before 21 January 2022. More information, including how to take part, is available here: https://www.southsomerset.gov.uk/news/2021/12/a-new-shop-front-design-guide-for-chard-have-your-say/
The latest updates on the Chard Regeneration Programme, including the grant scheme, are available online at https://www.chardregeneration.co.uk/
