Oswestry Town Council in Shropshire has introduced a new grant program to breathe life into its town centre by encouraging businesses to occupy premises that have been empty for over six months. The Breathing New Life into Empty Properties initiative provides up to £5,000 in funding for refurbishment, decoration, signage, and accessibility improvements.
Grant Details and Eligibility
Local businesses and entrepreneurs can apply for grants covering fit-out works, interior and exterior decoration, branding, and accessibility upgrades. The scheme aims to transform vacant properties into opportunities for ambitious ventures.
Mayor of Oswestry, Councillor Jonathan Upton, stated: “Oswestry’s town centre is in a strong position, and these grants are about building on that. We want to ensure that any vacant property becomes an opportunity for ambitious local businesses. This initiative reflects the council’s commitment to keeping Oswestry a place where new businesses can take root and the high street continues to thrive.”
Application Deadline and Previous Impact
The deadline for grant applications is set for August 21. Last year, the council offered similar grants when 11% of town centre shops were vacant. The new round aims to further reduce empty properties and stimulate economic activity.
Oswestry: A Hidden Gem
Oswestry is a historic market town near the Welsh border with a population of around 17,000. It has been hailed as a hidden gem and part of an area dubbed “the new Cotswolds.” The grant scheme comes as high streets across the UK face challenges from rising costs and changing consumer habits.
