The Renaissance Market town teams Yore Vision and Renaissance Knaresborough are seeking funding from the Regional Development Agency (Yorkshire Forward) to bring back into use empty property, or parts of properties, as well as improve or refurbish existing premises, enhance shopfronts and improve signage for commercial outlets.

 

It would help the application stage if owners or tenants were to express their early interest in this Property Improvement Grant scheme, which could be up and running by the end of the year if the bid is successful.

 

The chairs of the town teams  Keith Ramsay from Boroughbridge and Gordon Renton from Knaresborough are supporting this proposal.  They said: "Demonstration that there is a demand for this initiative will help the bidding process.  We also want to hear from property owners whose property may be fully used but who could do with some help to restore architectural features.  In either case, this would be a good step towards the physical restoration of our towns and we are hoping that grant would be available for up to 50 per cent of the costs."

 

Owners will be encouraged to bring vacant upper floors back into use as residential or office units again, encouraging the lower floors for retail use.

 

At the same time Harrogate Borough Council's Economic Development Project Officers, on behalf of the two town teams, will be seeking funding for 'Welcome Host' courses which are part of a high profile national initiative that can help tourism, retail and hospitality organisations develop their potential.

 

Property owners or tenants who feel they could benefit from the grant scheme, and businesses interested in the Welcome Host scheme, should contact Genevieve Parker or Rebecca Micallef by Friday, 31 August 2007 on 01423 556079 or 556052 or email genevieve.parker@harrogate.gov.uk or Rebecca.micallef@harrogate.gov.uk

 

NOTE TO EDITORS: Boroughbridge and Knaresborough were two of twelve Renaissance Market towns (RMTs) created in 2002 when £8.5m was ring fenced by Yorkshire Forward for investment in them.

 

Town teams were established in consultation with the community and 25-year business plans were developed.  The main aim of the RMT programme is to support sustainable small towns in the region and make them "rural capitals" places where people want to live, work, invest and visit.