Mansfield District Council is offering new and existing retailers grants to move into vacant shops or improve the appearance of established shop fronts.

The vacant shops grant is open to independent retailers taking occupation of a retail property that has been vacant for at least three months. A grant of up to a maximum of £4,000 per property is available and will be paid in four quarterly instalments.

The funding can be used for a range of expenditure, including improvements to premises, fixtures and fittings, rental payments, insurance premiums, advertising and marketing costs.

The shop front improvement grant will provide up to £5,000 to independent retailers already occupying premises, who wish to make alterations or repairs to their shop front in order to enhance its appearance.

This includes new windows and doors, repairs to guttering and downpipes, painting shop fronts and the replacement of signage.

If successful in their application, retailers will receive a grant of 50% towards the total cost of pre-agreed items or work. To qualify for grant funding, the premises must be located in the Mansfield district.

The funding has been made available thanks to the recent council-approved Economic Stimulus fund – a package of measures designed to boost local business growth and jobs.

Councillor Kate Allsop, Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration at Mansfield District Council said: “We are delighted to be offering these grants for vacant shops and shop front improvements. This is great news for both existing retailers and those thinking of moving into a vacant shop.

“The grants will support efforts to enhance the visual appearance of the Town Centre environment, help to reduce vacancy rates of shops across the district and increase the number of independent retailers.”

For more information, please contact Caroline Lomas at Ashfield and Mansfield Regeneration Service on 01623 463174 or email [email protected]