A new grants scheme is being launched to help transform Whitehaven’s King Street.
Empty and dilapidated premises on the town’s main shopping street have been identified as a key issue for council chiefs to tackle.
Cumberland Council’s Building Improvement Grants will support bringing vacant units back into use and improve the appearance of occupied properties.
Deputy Leader of Cumberland Council Emma Williamson, has been leading on the development of a Whitehaven Masterplan.
She said: “We’ve listened to local residents and businesses and are taking steps to improve King Street. A new grants scheme has been set up and we’re urging the owners to get their applications in quickly.
“Following the success of similar schemes in other parts of Cumberland, it is now time for King Street to step up and help make Whitehaven the best it can be.”
The grants scheme is open to owners or businesses with properties on King Street. They can apply for a grant to help with the costs of improvements to their properties.
For occupied properties owners or businesses can apply for a grant of 50% (up to a maximum of £5,000), for improvements to their shop fronts.
For vacant properties, grants of 50% (up to a maximum of £15,000) can be applied for, to improve the shop front and also undertake internal work.
The Cumberland Council grants are funded from Sellafield’s Social Impact Investment Fund.
Anyone interested in applying for a grant is asked to send their contact details and property address to [email protected]
The council said it was also contacting owners of properties in a state of disrepair,
It added it reserved the ability to take enforcement action to ensure necessary works are undertaken.
King Street falls within a conservation area and council bosses said there will be a crackdown on unauthorised alterations and signs.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Mark Fryer added: “King Street falls within the conservation area, in the historic centre of Whitehaven.
“It is unacceptable that some property owners have let their properties deteriorate to such an extent that they are now ruining the amenity of the area for other local businesses and town centre visitors.
“We are hoping that the building grants will encourage owners to invest in their properties and improve the street for all.”
