Shop Front Improvement- Phase 2 APPLICATION

1. Application Shop Front Phase 2 Place Based Investment Programme 2022-2023

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Shop Front Improvement Scheme 

The shop front improvement scheme is a community led regeneration initiative, aiming to empower groups and local people to lead the way to improve the aesthetic of their high street/town centre. 

The initiative will run across East Ayrshire with Kilmarnock Business Association (KBA) leading the project for businesses in Kilmarnock. 
Community groups (councils, action plans, enterprises, associations) from across the authority have submitted expressions of interest in delivering the scheme for their town and village centres. 

KBA have set a maximum cap of £3,000 per business. Community groups will be identified and asked to make a decision on their cap and on the evaluation process for applications. This decision will be informed and based on the level of demand from businesses from across East Ayrshire.   
 
In Phase 1 of the Shop Front Scheme, which started at the end of 2021 and was delivered across six communities, community groups capped the amount businesses could apply for. This cap varied between £2000 and £6000. However, the average amount businesses were awarded across the whole project was around £2,500. Further evaluation of phase 1 revealed that significant improvements were possible, with investments between £1500 and £3,000. 
 

APPLICATION

Applications for Shopfront Improvement Funding are invited from eligible businesses looking to enhance their shopfront.

Before filling out this application form please note the following:
 
1. Contracts for the work must be in place by 31 March 2023.

2. Work is expected to be completed by 31st July 2023.

3. The applicant must acquire two quotes for work up to £999 and three quotes for the proposed work over £1000 and use the quote that has been approved by the community anchor group. Failure to do so may result in non-payment of funding.

4. We encourage the employment of local traders where possible as this supports the Love Local campaign and embeds a community wealth building approach. This will be part of the scoring criteria by the community anchor group. We advise using the East Ayrshire Trusted Traders scheme - East Ayrshire Trusted Trader | East Ayrshire Trading Standards

5. It is the responsibility of the applicant to engage with planning colleagues at EA via the process which is described in the guidance as set out in the documents below.
 
Guidance on the design of shopfronts and signage can be found on the Planning section of the Council’s website-
Shopfront design guidance- Planning SG Shop Front Design Guidance (east-ayrshire.gov.uk)

Advertisement design guidance-

Listed Buildings and Buildings in the Conservation Area Design Guidance- Listed Buildings and Buildings within Conservation Areas Design Guidance (east-ayrshire.gov.uk)

The Planning Service can be contacted directly by email at submittoplanning@east-ayrshire.gov.uk or by phone on 01563 576790.


6. A photograph of the current business frontage/façade in a digital format is required for full completion of the application.
  
7. Applications must be submitted by January 31 2023 to and will be considered by a community anchor organisation who will meet shortly after the closing date. You will hear back soon after the leads have had a chance to meet and evaluate all applications

8. All documents submitted with your application will be handled in strictest confidence. A link to the respective privacy notice can be found here.
 

1. Have you read and understood the notes above?