Bids are being invited for grants of up to £50,000 for shopfront improvements to businesses in the heart of March town centre.

The Shopfront Grant Scheme is part of the £8.4million March Future High Streets town centre regeneration investment.

The March Future High Streets project is funded with £6.4million from the Government's Future High Streets Fund and £2million from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.

The Shopfront Grant Scheme is being delivered by Fenland District Council's (FDC) Economic Growth Team Fenland for Business.

Up to £540,000 is available to businesses thanks to remaining funds in the Future High Streets Fund grants pot.

Cllr Chris Seaton, lead member of the March Future High Streets steering group, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses in the centre of March to access significant financial support to improve and enhance the streetscene for everyone, helping to make the town more attractive to shoppers and future investors.

“This is another feature within this once-in-a-lifetime transformation and regeneration of March town centre.”

Cllr Ian Benney, Fenland District Council’s portfolio holder for economic growth, added: “As a former shopkeeper for 35 years, I can thoroughly appreciate what a golden opportunity this grant is for businesses in March town centre.

“Investing in your business can lead to an uplift in turnover, so this fantastic funding will not only enhance your business and the town centre but bring real financial benefit too.

“I strongly encourage all eligible businesses to seize this chance to invest in their future.”

Eligible businesses have until August 30 to complete an expression of interest in securing funding. A more detailed application process will then follow.

Grants will pay for external renovations or improvements to the front elevations of buildings, including, but not limited to:

  • repairs
  • repainting
  • signage
  • external lighting
  • repair of external stonework and brickwork
  • repair and reinstatement of guttering and down-pipes
  • window display equipment and lighting
  • professional fees directly linked to the renovations or improvements
  • accessibility adaptations to the front of the property.

The grant is open to shops at ground level, within a defined area of March town centre.

 

Successful applicants must create at least one new employment role of a minimum four hours per week to be eligible for the funding

The expression of interest form, and a map showing the eligibility area and further details are at: www.fenlandforbusiness.co.uk/MarchShopfrontGrantScheme

Successes of the Future High Streets Fund Vacant Unit Activation Scheme grant included supporting the redevelopment of one of March's oldest Conservation Area buildings 26 Market Place.