Community business makeover scheme given thumbs-up

A SCHEME aimed at helping businesses do up their properties in two Swansea communities has been given a thumbs-up.

Over 20 businesses in Clydach and Pontarddulais have already been in touch with Swansea Council about a project to develop new and improved fronts to their buildings.

Funding of £75,000 is available over the next two years to help commercial property owners, tenants and businesses during the economic downturn.

The Town Improvement Grant scheme is funded by the Welsh Government and run by Swansea Council.

Twelve enquiries have come in from Pontarddulais since the scheme was launched last month; 11 have come in from Clydach.

Swansea Council undertook a leaflet drop in both communities to raise awareness of the scheme.

The grants can pay for up to 65% of design and construction costs. This means successful applicants could potentially get 100% of the investment in a new building but at only 35% of the price.

The scheme is similar to the Building Enhancement Programme in the city centre that's helped many businesspeople upgrade the fronts of their properties. The Grand Hotel, The Monkey Café and Keedo on Lower Oxford Street are some of the city centre businesses to have benefitted.

The Town Improvement Grant can help cover the costs of new shop fronts, signage, windows and doors. It can also help cover the costs of outside lighting, roofs, chimneys and professional advice from architects or surveyors.

Marion Williams, the owner of the Pleser bridal shop on St Teilo Street in Pontarddulais, is looking into applying for a grant to help cover the costs of improving the way the front of the building looks.

She said: "It would be lovely if many businesses in the area applied for some of this grant funding. The look of our shops is very important and it would attract more customers if our main shopping street looked as inviting as possible."

Cllr Gareth Sullivan, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Planning, said: "The amount of feedback we've received so far has been very encouraging.

"The way businesses look is important because it helps drive footfall and new visitors to our communities.

"I'd urge any other businesses that may be interested to get in touch."

Contact Jinny Mitten at Swansea Council for more information on jinny.mitten@swansea.gov.uk or 01792 637271.

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This page last updated on March 6 2012