The Improving the High Street Grants of between £5,000 to £20,000 per project are available to rural businesses, community groups and Parish Councils across the district.
The scheme aims to improve the look of local high streets, promote rejuvenation, encourage residents to shop locally and attract more local businesses to the area.
The grant can cover a wide range of projects such as renovating shop fronts, street art, new benches, hanging baskets, interactive family fun trails, street cleaning, local maps or new signs.
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority is the lead authority for the fund, while South Cambridgeshire District Council is responsible for grant scheme delivery and allocation. The scheme is part of the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Cllr Peter McDonald, South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Lead Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “As a Council we are committed to breathing new life into our high streets. By supporting local businesses, enhancing public spaces, and making our villages and towns more accessible and vibrant, we can create a thriving hub where residents and visitors alike feel proud to shop, work, and connect. This rejuvenation is not just about revitalizing storefronts; it's about building a stronger, more resilient local economy that reflects the heart of our community."
The project aims to increase footfall and trading for local businesses as well as boosting pride in place for local communities. The fund can be used for a wide range of projects including:
- Family friendly schemes, like a high street safari
- Event and pop-up opportunities
- Repairs, painting and decorating
- Signage
- Street art
- External lighting
- Window display equipment
- Improving bus shelters
- Decorative planting
- Street cleaning
- Hardboard maps
- Benches
- Parklets
- Biodiversity or greening projects
- Improving accessibility
Grants are available to small independent businesses operating within South Cambridgeshire high streets, Community Groups and Parish Councils.
Business Applicants must be:
- A small, independent business (including Community Interest Companies) which operates within the High Street within South Cambridgeshire.
- Businesses will be eligible to apply if they can answer yes to the following questions; can the shop be seen clearly from the street? Do you anticipate that the change will make a positive difference to the surrounding area?
Community Groups must:
- Either be a non-profit group or organisation based in South Cambridgeshire or benefiting South Cambridgeshire residents.
- Have a written constitution or mission statement.
- Be able to provide an up-to-date copy of their accounts and any relevant protection policies.
Parish Councils must:
- Be an active Parish Council.
- Have a written constitution or mission statement.
- Have an elected committee or representative steering group
If you think that your project may require planning permission, then get in touch as it may be a lengthy process. To avoid potential delays, you may want to consider speaking to the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning team. Installation costs of any of the above can be included in the application. Applications without planning permission will not be accepted.
All successful applicants will be required to report on their progress from the date of receipt of funds and at quarterly intervals. Projects must set out how they will measure and report how they have met the objectives.
The first of three application windows is now open until 10 November. The second application window will open on 14 November and close on 15 December. The third and final application window will open on 19 December and close on 19 January next year.
The application process will run until all the funds have been allocated. Funds may run out before the end of the application windows mentioned above, so those interested are encouraged to get applications in promptly.
All funds must be spent by 31 March 2025.
To find out more and apply visit the South Cambridgeshire District Council High Street grant webpage or email: sharedprosperityfund@scambs.gov.uk
