Monmouthshire County Council has secured funding to support the continued recovery of our town centres following the pandemic. Town Centre business owners in Abergavenny, Caldicot, Chepstow, Monmouth and Usk are being invited to apply for funding  to create external trading spaces.

The Town Centre Outdoor Adaptation Grant – first rolled out last year – offers businesses the chance to secure funding to cover up to 70% of the cost of a business’ proposed project (up to a maximum of £8,000). This latest- round of funding is limited and is only available in 2021-2022, so business are requested to contact Monmouthshire County Council’s Regeneration Team (MCCRegeneration@monmouthshire.gov.uk; 01633 644644) as soon as possible to discuss their eligibility.

Funded through the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Programme, the grant will enable businesses to invest in external improvements and equipment such as outdoor seating, tables, awnings, café barriers, lighting and heating.

While it is expected that this grant scheme will appeal mainly to hospitality businesses, other town centre businesses who wish to create or improve outdoor trading space are invited to discuss their proposals with MCC officers.

Applicants will need to meet the eligibility criteria for the scheme which can be found at www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/town-grants/ In order to submit an application, business will need to demonstrate that their proposals are of a suitable high standard, comply with the statutory requirements and that they possess a license to trade in the space identified and have public liability insurance for such purposes.

Councillor Sara Jones, Deputy Leader of Monmouthshire County Council, said: “It’s great news that we are able to offer this support again. In the 2020 – 2021 financial year this grant scheme helped more than 40 businesses in our five main towns, with £215,000 awarded. Businesses purchased tables & chairs, parasols, canopies, bins, café barriers. This outside trading has not only helped individual businesses during a difficult year of trading but has contributed to the vibrancy and vitality of our town centres.”

“As with the successful applications last year, any measures that are introduced as a result of successful grant funding should benefit both the business, but also help improve the look of our high streets, creating a welcoming trading and café culture environment. These are not short-term measures, it’s hoped that through investment in good quality attractive seating, planters, awnings, etc., the benefits of this scheme will, we hope, be long lasting and will help enhance our town centres further.”

For more information and guidance visit www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/town-grants/. All funding is subject to availability.