Redbridge Council brightens up local high streets and launches new business grant
Published: 2 July 2021
High streets in Redbridge are getting a make-over - and local businesses can do the same with a new grant helping them to improve their premises post-pandemic.
In the coming weeks, a series of green improvements to brighten up our streets will be installed across Redbridge, as part of the council’s new Love Your High Street initiative - which aims to boost the local economy safely.
The first of the improvements, new planters filled with bee-friendly plants that help reduce emissions in the air, were laid by Cllr John Howard, Redbridge Council’s Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities at Barkingside High Street on Friday 25 June.
And to help encourage visitors back to our town centres safely, local businesses also apply for a one-off grant payment to support them with the cost of improvements to beautify their business*.
The High Streets Improvement Scheme grants will cover 50% of the work costs carried out, with a maximum grant award of up to £10,000.
Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities at Redbridge Council, Cllr John Howard, said:
“We know how important our local high streets are to the community and that the past year has been extremely difficult for business owners. That is why we’re investing in our local high streets to encourage more people to visit and supporting local businesses.
“We value the business community in Redbridge and want to build on the significant private sector investment that is apparent in many of our high streets and town centres, to make our businesses more resilient and profitable.
“The High Street Improvement Grants, alongside our own environmental improvements, will make our high streets look cleaner, greener and more inviting to shoppers, diners and visitors.”
Businesses can find out more information and apply for the grant here: www.redbridge.gov.uk/regeneration-and-growth. The online grant application process will be open until Thursday 30 September 2021 and all works must be completed by September 2022.
The grants are just one of several schemes introduced to support local businesses recover from the pandemic. Local businesses can sign up to the free It’s Local online directory, download free resources from Shop Safe Redbridge and sign up to be certified as ‘COVID Safe’ through the COVID-19 Assurance Scheme.
There are also many more initiatives and street events that will be held in partnership with the Ilford BID and community organisers in the coming months to promote and celebrate the people of Redbridge, and its heritage regeneration plans.
Leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Jas Athwal, said:
“Our local traders were a lifeline during the worst of the pandemic, providing food and other essential items. Now we’re asking people to support them on the road to recovery.
“We want the borough to thrive post-COVID-19, and we are working hard to support our town centres, high streets and the local hospitality sector.
“The High Street Improvement Grants and Love Your High Street campaign are a key part of our work to support the borough's recovery from the pandemic.”
*please check the website to find out what classifies an improvement to your business www.redbridge.gov.uk/regeneration-and-growth
