Cash boost for historic Bromsgrove High
Street
A new partnership funding scheme is set to improve
the frontages of historic buildings in Bromsgrove High Street.
The Frontage Improvement Grant Scheme, a town
centre regeneration partnership project between Worcestershire
County and Bromsgrove District Councils, aims to regenerate and
revitalise Bromsgrove town centre by offering assistance in
partnership with owners and tenants to make repairs and improvement
works to the fronts of historic buildings.
The scheme covers an important cluster of
historic buildings on the odd-numbered side of the High Street,
numbers 61 to 97 between Church Street and Mill Lane. Of the 19
retail units within this group, 13 are within listed buildings.
Bromsgrove District Council’s portfolio holder
for planning and regeneration Cllr Jill Dyer said: “We are very
proud of the historic buildings on our High Street, and they need
our support so that future generations will be able to value them
too.
“The partnership of county and district
councils is aiming to preserve Bromsgrove’s unique heritage and
enhance its future prosperity by making this financial assistance
available to owners and tenants, not only for repairs and
maintenance but for improvements too.”
Bromsgrove District and Worcestershire County
Councils have put £20,000 into the scheme, and hope to increase
this sum to £70,000 later this year.
Cllr Stephen Clee, Worcestershire County
Council's Cabinet Member for Corporate Services, said: "The
Bromsgrove Town Centre Regeneration Project is a great example of
partnership working between the district and county councils and
the Frontage Improvement Grant is a significant aspect of the
overall project. Together we are determined to create an attractive
Bromsgrove to live and work in and maintaining iconic historic
buildings will go along way to harnessing a sense of pride in the
town centre for many years to come."
Grants are available for repairs and
improvement works to shopfronts and signage, and for works to the
upper floors such as window repairs.
Grant assistance is normally 80% of the cost
of the works to a maximum of £4000 per property. The grant is not
means tested, and both building owners and tenants can apply for
funding.
A guidance leaflet on the scheme and
application forms are available on request through Bromsgrove
District Council, and at any time on the Conservation section of
www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/planning.
For more information please contact Bromsgrove
District Council’s Conservation Officer Judith Carstairs on 01527
881326 or conservation@bromsgrove.gov.uk.
Above: 73-75 on
Bromsgrove High Street is a Grade II listed building dating from
the late 18th century.
