Ealing Council has opened applications for its new Thriving Towns Fund, a £1.4million initiative designed to improve high streets across the west London borough. Local businesses can apply for grants of up to £20,000 to enhance shopping areas, shopfronts and public spaces, with the aim of making high streets more attractive for shoppers and visitors.
Funding available across seven towns
The funding is not limited to Ealing town centre. It is available across the borough's seven towns, including Acton, Greenford, Hanwell, Northolt, Perivale and Southall. Businesses could use the grants to install better lighting, improve shop signs or give their shopfronts a makeover.
Other possible changes include new public seating, planting and improvements to make shopping areas easier for disabled people to access. Local markets could also benefit, with funding available for equipment that helps traders operate.
Support for business groups and local markets
Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), trade associations and other business groups can also apply for grants of up to £10,000. This money is intended for activities that help bring more shoppers into town centres.
Councillor Monica Hamidi, Ealing Council's cabinet member for good growth, said: "Our high streets and town centres are at the heart of community life, which is why it's important that residents, businesses, and anyone local to the borough help us to identify the changes that will have the greatest impact."
Application process and deadlines
The funding comes as high streets across the country continue to face pressure, with businesses dealing with changing shopping habits and competition from online retailers. For local traders, the grants could provide an opportunity to make improvements that might otherwise be difficult to afford.
The £1.4million is not being spent on one single makeover. Instead, eligible businesses and organisations will need to apply for funding for their proposed projects. Applications are now open and must be submitted by midday on Monday, November 30. Those who apply are expected to find out whether they have been successful by Friday, December 11. Businesses interested in the scheme can find more information and apply through Ealing Council's website.
