Funding and conditions
The amount you can apply for depends on the type and scale of your project.
You will need to contribute towards the cost of the work.
How much is available?
Full heritage restoration
Up to 75% of eligible costs, with a maximum grant of £30,000.
This could include rebuilding a traditional shopfront or fully restoring important architectural features.
Partial restoration
Up to 50% of eligible costs, with a maximum grant of £15,000.
This could include replacing a fascia, restoring a stallriser or completing wider repair and redecoration work.
Minor improvements
Up to 30% of eligible costs, with a maximum grant of £7,500.
This could include improvements to signage or lighting.
If your project does not fit neatly into one category, we will consider its overall scope and impact.
How we assess applications
We will consider:
- The quality and visual impact of the proposed work
- How well it protects or enhances the building’s historic character
- Whether the project is realistic and offers value for money
- The benefit to the city centre, its businesses and visitors
- Wider benefits such as improved accessibility, sustainability or social value
This is a competitive scheme and funding is limited. Meeting the criteria does not guarantee that you will receive a grant.
Important conditions
You must not start work or commit to any costs before receiving written approval from the council.
If your application is successful, you will sign a Grant Agreement confirming the approved work, timescales and payment arrangements.
Grants are normally paid after the agreed work has been completed and you have provided evidence of eligible costs, such as paid invoices and photographs.
You must get written approval before making any changes to an approved project.
Full terms and conditions are available in the Applicant Guidance.