Wallsend businesses can claim grants of up to £5,000 as part of a high street improvement scheme

As of part of the Towns and High Streets Innovation Programme, the Council’s Wallsend Shop Front Improvement Scheme is open to applications from businesses to improve the external appearance of the buildings.

The grant is available to any retail business with a ground floor shop unit or doorway access to an upper floor commercial premises, based on High Street East, High Street West or Station Road.

Funding for the scheme is provided by the North of Tyne Combined Authority, with the Programme being made up of key projects, which include:

• Creating a new active travel route that incorporates artwork and installations between Wallsend town centre and Segedunum.
• Provide support to businesses via a dedicated town centre business advisor.
• A shop front improvement scheme to enhance the look of Wallsend High Street.
• Develop and support a programme of events and festivals.
• Raise the profile of Segedunum by establishing either a retail or exhibition offer within the town centre.

Cllr Carl Johnson, Deputy Mayor of North Tyneside, said: “Residents have told us that improving the appearance of the High Street and Town Centre should be a priority, and our ambition for Wallsend is about creating a Wallsend that our residents and businesses can be proud of.

“This grant will help us take the appearance of the High Street and Town Centre up a level; attracting more people to come visit the area and supporting local businesses.”

The Wallsend Shop Front Improvement Scheme is part of North Tyneside Council’s “Ambition for Wallsend”, which was first apprvoed in March 2022.

The “Ambition for Wallsend” has three key priorities at the heart of its development, such as making the town centre and its neighbourhoods great places to visit and live, improve the quality of housing in the town, and connect residents to “good jobs” through further education and transport infrastructure.

A public consultation has recently been completed on the plans, with residents in Wallsend having their say on what North Tyneside Council is proposing.

The feedback from the consultation is now being considered before a revised plan goes befroe North Tyneside Council’s Cabinet in May.

The Council has said that the grants for the Wallsend Shop Front Improvement Scheme are available on a first come, first served basis.

The projects must be completed, and grant funding claimed by December 31, 2023.

If you wish to view the grant criteria, or submit an application, then you can do so by clicking here.

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