Brackley Town Centre Grants return to help businesses transform shopfronts and enhance the high street

Businesses in Brackley are being given another opportunity to refresh and enhance their premises as West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) launches the third round of its Brackley Town Centre Grant Scheme.

From restoring heritage features and improving accessibility to upgrading shopfronts and investing in more sustainable buildings, the grants are designed to help businesses make lasting improvements that contribute to a more attractive, vibrant and welcoming town centre.

Following the success of previous funding rounds, the scheme will once again support projects that improve the appearance and functionality of commercial properties, helping businesses attract customers while strengthening Brackley's distinctive town centre offer.

Applications are now open and must be submitted by Monday 23 November. Businesses interested in applying should email brackleygrant@westnorthants.gov.uk to register their expression of interest and receive an application pack.

Cllr Kamala Guliyeva, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at WNC, said: "Brackley has a thriving and distinctive town centre, and these grants provide a valuable opportunity for businesses and to invest in their buildings, improve their shopfronts and contribute to the town's continued success.

"The projects supported through round two will make a visible difference to the high street, helping to create a more attractive environment for residents, visitors and businesses. 

“We are pleased to reopen the scheme and would encourage anyone considering improvements to their property to explore the funding available and apply."

Before applying, applicants are encouraged to carefully follow the process set out on the grant scheme webpage and application form. If successful, applicants will need to ensure any planning permission or listed building consent required for the proposed project is in place before grants can be awarded.

West Northamptonshire Council offers free pre-application planning advice to businesses applying for a Brackley Town Centre Grant. As Brackley town centre is within a conservation area, businesses are encouraged to complete this quick planning check before making changes to shop fronts, and for internal alterations in listed buildings. This can help identify any planning requirements early on and give an indication of whether proposals are likely to be approved before a full planning application is submitted.

Brackley Town Clerk, Kathy Hale, said: “It’s been great to see the real-world effect of the last two waves of funding on the high street. The money is there to be used, so we encourage all eligible businesses to have a look at the scheme and think about ways they could use the funding to make improvements.

It would be a shame for those who could really use the help to miss out, so please help us spread the word. If you know anyone that has a high street business in Brackley, let them know about the scheme and encourage them to get an application in while the funding is available!”

The Brackley Town Centre Grant Scheme is available to eligible businesses and within the defined town centre area.

Full eligibility criteria, guidance notes and frequently asked questions are available on the Brackley town centre grants webpage.