DDC grant scheme for high street shops

Dover District Council is to offer grants of up to £10,000 to bring commercial properties back into use, or to upgrade or improve the appearance of empty premises in designated town centres areas in Dover, Deal and Sandwich. 

The grants can be used towards the external renovation or improvement of ground floor and upper floors on the front elevations of buildings, along with internal fit-outs and conversions. The grants cover up to 50% of the cost of the project up to a maximum of £10,000. 

Grants of £500 will also be made available for business support or consultancy for property owners seeking specialist advice on bringing their building back into commercial use. 

Cllr Keith Morris, Leader of Dover District Council said: "High streets across the district are showing resilience in the face of online competition and changing consumer tastes.  Deal and Sandwich continue to have low vacancy rates, whilst Dover is attracting new investment. 

"However, empty commercial premises paint a poor picture.  This scheme is designed to support owners of commercial buildings who want to improve the appearance, occupancy and use of vacant and run down properties in Dover, Deal and Sandwich." 

Further details on the grant scheme and application process will be available online on the Dover District Council website from 15 October 2018.