High street grant scheme for South Elmsall and South Kirkby receives great interest

Grants offered by Wakefield Council to high street businesses in South Elmsall, South Kirkby and Moorthorpe have received high levels of interest from shop owners in the ward.

In 2022, the Council received 29 Expressions of Interest from businesses in the ward looking to improve their shop fronts.

The scheme is to support local economies by helping to attract more shoppers and enhance the appeal of these town centres for residents and visitors. It follows the success of similar schemes that have been implemented across the district.

Shop owners can apply for grants worth 80% of the cost of improvement works, up to a maximum of £10,000.

Cllr Denise Jeffery, Leader of Wakefield Council, said: “I’m very pleased to see the high level of interest in these grants. Helping local businesses to improve their shop fronts will enable us to make our town centres more appealing and encourage residents and visitors to come and spend more time in our district.

“This scheme will help boost the local economy, so I urge all eligible businesses in the area to get in touch with us and start the grant application process.

The Shop Improvement Grant Scheme forms part of the Council’s wider investment programme in the ward. Other planned schemes include public realm improvements and an investment in South Elmsall market.

Businesses can still apply to receive financial support for improvements such as repairing or restoring façades and new or improved canopies and signage.

New tenants are also eligible to apply for grant funding if they are occupying a vacant property.

More information on the grants is available at https://wakefieldcouncil.com/SIGS.