Funds of up to £20,000 are now available for building frontage improvements in Ely's city centre.
Property owners, landlords, business people and community groups in Ely can apply for this grant under the High Street Renewal Fund.
This funding push aims to enhance the city's appearance with opportunities for aesthetic and structural repairs, improvement of signage, painting, and access upgrades.
Project proposals might range from minor construction to beautification efforts, like improving store awnings or adding street furniture.
Bids ranging between £500 and £20,000 will be accepted until Friday, August 30 2024.
This funding is part of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) initiative.
They've set aside £1 million per market town, aiming to boost economic growth through identified Masterplan measures.
East Cambridgeshire District Council has earmarked £75,000 for Ely, sourced from its Market Towns Programme Fund.
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Councillor Anna Bailey, leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, praised this initiative.
She said: “Carrying out small improvements such as fixing broken signs, planting up shop fronts or replacing street furniture make a huge difference in enhancing our market towns and this will encourage residents, shoppers and visitors to spend more time here, which in turn will benefit the local economy."
Addressing the cost-of-living crisis, she added: “We realise with the cost of living crisis many businesses and organisations do not have the extra funds to carry out improvement works.
“This grant is designed to help anyone who has responsibility for buildings in Ely.
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“It really is a case of small changes being able to make a big difference.”
The grant fund does not cover non-capital expenditures, including surveys or consultation costs.
Applications will be assessed on their alignment with the funding guidelines after the application closing date.
More information about this grant is available on the East Cambridgeshire District Council's website.
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