‘Bit of an uplift and some TLC’ planned for Guisborough shop fronts
Business owners in Guisborough will be able to claim grants to improve shop fronts after councillors signed off a scheme to spend £600,000 worth of Government levelling up cash.
A report for cabinet members at Redcar and Cleveland Council[1] said a programme of works which has been drafted in consultation with a conservation officer would “concentrate on the aesthetics” of properties and improve the look and feel of the town. It also said the local authority was already being proactive in restoring and enhancing heritage standards.
The report added: “Aesthetically improved buildings, many occupied by successful businesses, will add to the visitor and cultural offer within Guisborough[2], providing and enhancing the experience for its residents and giving further reasons to visit central Guisborough with an improved high street offer.”
The scheme will cover commercial premises in Bakehouse Square, Chaloner Street, Chaloner Mews, Market Place, Westgate, Bow Street and Fountain Street, and encompass changes to the likes of doors, windows and external decorations.
In respect of windows, the report said the council was “currently resisting” planning applications for windows that do not reflect the historic character of the conservation area and are considered detrimental to the character and appearance of a building. It said grants would only be provided for applications that met eligibility requirements, while the use of local, East Cleveland labour would be prioritised.
A match funding contribution from building owners or tenants was said to be preferable, but this was still under discussion. The report said: “Until engagement activities commence, it is impossible to know the level of uptake and forcing match funding in the current economic climate could be detrimental to the aims of this grant.”
Councillor Lynn Pallister said there had been a lot of discussion about the extent, if any, to which businesses could contribute themselves. She said: “We want this to be a success as businesses are struggling.”
The cabinet member for economic growth added: “I love Guisborough, it’s a beautiful place, but if you do walk down the high street and through the side streets it just needs a bit of an uplift and some TLC.”
In March the council approved a similar planned scheme in Loftus[4], while 13 shop fronts in Skelton[5] were also previously transformed with a council intervention in a bid to return historic character to the high street there.
References
- ^ Redcar and Cleveland Council (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
- ^ Guisborough (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
- ^ Medals and trophy shop to be converted into flats after planning permission go-ahead (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
- ^ Loftus (www.gazettelive.co.uk)
- ^ Skelton (www.gazettelive.co.uk)