Shop owners in Maryport can apply for cash to help them restore unoccupied flats and unused spaces above their business.
The Maryport Residential Conversion Scheme was launched today by Allerdale council and aims to help owners carry out high-quality repair and restoration work so parts of their properties can be used for homes.
Grants will be offered to owners to help cover the cost of approved renovation work. Based on the maximum grant available per property, a minimum of 15 properties will be brought back into use for residential purposes as a result of the scheme.
Properties eligible to make an application for funding must be located within the eligible area, which covers sections of Senhouse Street, Crosby Street and Curzon Street.
Properties must be classed as unoccupied and substantially unfurnished for tax purposes as of March 21 2022 and at the time of application, unless the unoccupied space forms part of a larger unit – like an empty storeroom above a shop.
Properties must also have independent access from the ground floor or have it created as part of the grant-funded work.
Typically, grant funding will be offered at a rate of 80 per cent of eligible costs, however, each application will be assessed on its own merits and significance, with all offers of grant assistance made at the discretion of Allerdale council.
The maximum grant available for any eligible property is £75,000.
Mike Johnson, Allerdale council’s leader, said: “We would like to encourage anyone who owns an eligible property within the scheme area to contact us and apply to make use of the grant.
“The scheme is all part of our commitment to improve residential spaces within the centre of Maryport by restoring old buildings and bringing them back into use, which will ultimately contribute to a thriving local community.”
To apply for the scheme, applicants are advised to check the eligibility criteria in full and apply at https://www.allerdale.gov.uk/en/maryport/maryport-residential-conversion-scheme/ before midnight on Sunday May 1.
Applicants will have to register with the MyAllerdale online portal to apply. Anyone with questions about the scheme should contact [email protected].
The scheme is part of the council’s bid to the Future High Streets funding pot provided by HM Government.
