13 July 2023

Guisborough’s historic High Street is set for a major facelift after the Labour Council in Redcar & Cleveland approved a new £600,000 Commercial Grant Scheme this week.

Cabinet Member Cllr Luke Myer voted for the plans, saying the scheme would help preserve Guisborough’s identity as an historic market town. The scheme will help businesses restore traditional shopfronts and improve the appearance of buildings across Westgate, Bakehouse Square, Chaloner Street, Market Place, Bow Street and Fountain Street.

Businesses will soon be invited to apply for grants, with work expected to complement the wider regeneration of the town centre. Grants will support work including new windows, doors, shopfronts and external decoration, helping protect Guisborough’s heritage while encouraging more people to visit and spend time in the town.

However, the council is urging the Tory Government to release the funds to support the scheme quickly, because the Levelling Up Fund has been plagued by long delays. Earlier this year, Shadow Levelling Up Secretary Lisa Nandy warned:

“The levelling up fund is in chaos, beset by delays and allegations of favouritism. 15 months after the first round of allocations, just 5% of the money has made it to the communities who were promised it.”

The Levelling Up Fund is currently under investigation by the National Audit Office amid growing concerns about how the programme has been designed and delivered. Luke has previously warned that funding is “fragmented and inefficient”, and says that the Guisborough scheme will need a change of approach from Government in order to move quickly. Labour has pledged to replace the fund if it wins next year’s general election, instead giving local leaders greater powers and longer-term funding settlements to support regeneration.

Councillor Lynn Pallister, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said:

“This is a unique opportunity for eligible business owners to improve their shop fronts which will enhance the High Street making it a more beautiful place for people to visit and spend time. This will bring about economic benefits to their business, and hopefully encourage more independent businesses to open in the area.

“As a Council, we want to work closely with local businesses to give them the best possible opportunity to improve the look and feel of their shops. We have formed a Regeneration Steering Group, which is made up of a cross section of local people, to help us continue our engagement with the community.”

If you’re an eligible business interested in making an application, please email: placeinvestment@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk