Improvement Grants
Shop Front Conversion
Shop front Conversions
Rugby Borough Council through RUGBY FIRST annually provide grants for the restoration of shop fronts in the Town centre. To qualify for this grant the following must apply to you: -
- You are an independent trader with no more than 6 properties in total.
- The property itself is within the defined area called Rugby Town centre.
- You are prepared to return your property to its former glory by using natural products of the period and to jointly agree a scheme with RF and the Conservation Officer.
- You are either the Landlord or you have the Landlords permission in writing to carry out the agreed work.
Why do we do this work?
One of the major planks of the joint RBC & RF policy is to improve the perception of our Town centre to our indigenous population. This is a very overt way of achieving this objective and has proved very popular with local independent traders. On average we grant aid 6-8 projects a year, clearly if we continue at this rate we will have a profound effect upon the vista of our Town in a very short period of time
How do I apply?
Simply apply to Robin Richter the Managing Director on Rugby 572150 or RUGBY FIRST using the contact information provided on this website. Mr Richter makes an annual Bid for grant to RBC starting in late October every year. He will arrange for sketch/final drawings to be produced, arrange for planning consent which you must pay for and he will put the project out to tender. When all this is jointly agreed he will complete the Bid including your project. The Council supplies an answer in May of each year and then the work can commence.
What Grant Will I Get?
This varies depending on the size of the project and the costs involved but as a general guide grants normally are based on £5,000 per shop front up to a maximum of 50% of the cost. E.g total cost of project £15,000 (ex vat) approximate grant £5,000, total cost of project £6,000 (ex vat) approximate grant £3,000.
What can I get a grant for?
Project vary enormously from a simply repaint and signage package to a complete renovation of a shop front. One of our more popular projects is the erection of a purpose built canopy, with signage and redecoration; the possibilities are endless.
Overshop grants
Overshop Conversion - Kitchen
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Overshop Conversion - Lounge
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Why do we encourage this activity?
Both the RBC & RF think it is important to encourage people to live in the Town centre. Why? It breathes life into the Town as people eat out, shop and go about their daily lives. Perhaps most importantly people will take ownership of their space and therefore assist in making the Town centre a place where everyone feels safe.
Who do I make initial contact with?
Again contact Robin Richter the Managing Director of RF on 01788 572150 and he will come and speak to you and ascertain if you meet the basic criteria.
Re-developing existing buildings for residential use helps the environment by:
- Reducing pressure on the green belt
- Removing problems associated with dereliction
- Improving property condition
- Enhancing life in the town centre.
You can benefit from:-
- Additional income
- Improved Security
- Repair and improvements to your property
Two types of assistance are available to make your empty space work for you:
Plan 1 - Rugby Borough Council Renovation grant assistance
Plan 2 - Housing Association renovation and leasing plan
The Rugby Borough Council Renovation Grant
If you choose this plan you will need:
- Planning and Building Regulation Approval
- Completed Application form
- Proof of Ownership
- Certificate confirming intended letting for 5 years
- 2 Estimates
The level of grant available is based on the following:
Landlord Grant Percentages Funding
Landlord grants are used as an incentive for landlords to improve their properties. This assistance does not detract from their responsibility as owners to maintain the property.
For each unit of accomodation the landlord is responsible for the first £1000. The maximum assistance per unit is £10,000
The following percentages applied to the remaining costs reflect the priority status to be applied to applications.
A further 5% enhancement of the relevant grant area is applicable in all areas of the borough subject to the landlord providing written evidence of a morgage or a secured loan on the property in excess of £10,000.
The Housing Association renovation and leasing Plan
If you choose this Plan you will need:-
- Agreement of the rental of the property based on the length of the lease, property size and cost of the work.
- Dependant on the above the costs and management of the scheme will be dealt with by the housing association.
For further help or advice telephone Rugby 572150.
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