Property Improvement Grant Scheme

The Property Improvement Grant Scheme was launched in summer 2008, following initial expressions of interest from property owners in both Knaresborough and Boroughbridge. It was established to help preserve the character of the buildings in the commercial town centres and to enhance the appearance of the town centre environment. It also provided opportunities to bring vacant or under-utilised commercial space into use promoting opportunities to create new jobs or safeguard existing employment.

 

The fund was established with financial support from Yorkshire Forward, through the Renaissance Market Towns Programme including a financial contribution from Harrogate Borough Council. Funds provided by the public sector have been matched by financial contributions from the individual businesses that took up the offer of grant support in order to carry out property improvement work. The fund was operated and managed by Harrogate Borough Council.

 

In total, the fund supported 19 schemes, which represents public sector investment in the region of £120,000.  

 

Grants were made available to carry out a variety of property improvement works, including installation of new shop frontages, external redecoration works and the development of additional commercial space.   The effect has been to improve the appearance of a number of buildings within the commercial town centres of both Knaresborough and Boroughbridge, helping to enhance the street scene and create a more attractive and welcoming town centre environment.

 

The Property Improvement Grant scheme ended in late March 2009 and options to develop a new scheme are currently being considered.