w/c 19th April 2021
At Southend BID we’ve been supporting the council on a number of their Town Centre Intervention Projects funded through the South East Essex Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP).
The projects include a 0% loan scheme available to business owners or potential business owners of vacant units across Southend High Street. This scheme provides loans of up to £50,000 to bring empty properties back into use through making building improvement or funding the first year overheads when taking up a vacant space. After a difficult year in our town this project is hoped to help Southend rebuild and bounce back stronger again.
There is also a grant scheme running in which businesses in and around the Southend High Street area can get up to £5,000 to give their shop front a refresh or total renovation. The scheme will cover up to 75% of the project costs with the business owner funding the last 25%. After over a year of restrictions, this new phase of reopening gives the feel of a new beginning to our town and business owners now have the opportunity to update their shop fronts to reflect this new start.
Another part of the intervention projects that we are excited about is the public realm improvements that will be happening in the Elmer Square area. Initial plans show more green space and planting to make the space more inviting, communal areas where people can come together to enjoy their lunchbreak outdoors, better lighting for increased safety and dedicated zones for art. We’re thrilled to continue supporting the council in their designs for the square that will bring an underutilised area to life for the benefit of the whole town.
If you’re a current or potential business owner then head to www.Southend.Gov.UK/TCIP to find out more and apply for the loan or grant scheme that is applicable for premises in and around the Southend High Street area.
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