A new £100,000 fund is open for shopkeepers in town centres to improve the front of their premises.
Grants of up to £5,000 are available through the South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) Shopfront Maintenance Grant.
The kind of work eligible for funding includes exterior painting of shopfronts and doors, new signage, reinstatement of traditional features, repairs including glazing, removal of vegetation, professional fees, installation of eligible security features and other work which will bring a shopfront into line with SKDC shopfront design guidance.
Applications can now be made at www.southkesteven.gov.uk/economic-development and projects must be complete before 28th February 2026.
Cllr Phil Dilks, cabinet member for planning, said: “The way that shopfronts look in a town affects everyone’s perception of a town centre, not only reflecting the quality of the business itself but also the amount of time people spend there and ultimately, the economic performance of the town – which is why this is so important.
“Proposed improvements must also be in line with the recently updated SKDC shopfront design guidance, comply with planning requirements and all other relevant legislation and consents.”
Applications are welcome from tenants or owner/occupiers of town centre businesses in the retail, leisure or hospitality business, or an office with a clearly defined shopfront. Tenants need to share evidence that they have the right to carry out the changes which are proposed.
The funding is allocated through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The deadline for the first round of applications is 15th September 2025. If funding is not fully allocated following the first round of applications, the scheme will be reopened for a second round.
Image credit: Stock.adobe.com/Stockfotos-MG
