Shop front scheme a challenge to owners

The new Shop Front Enhancement Grant Scheme is a challenge to business owners, a county councillor said at its launch last week.

Grants of up to €2,500 are being made available to shop owners under the new Shop Front Enhancement Grant Scheme, which Westmeath County Council launched in Athlone Civic Centre on Monday.

The new scheme will part fund Westmeath business owners to revamp and restore the front of their business premises. Grants will cover 50% of the cost of the works up to a maximum of €2,500.

A fund of €250,000 has been made available by the council and a range of improvement works will be covered including painting, replacement of windows, signage and repair and re-instatement of shop fronts.

Speaking at the launch the cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, Cllr John Dolan, welcomed the scheme, saying it is a fantastic opportunity for the business community. He urged all present to promote the scheme as much as possible, especially to small, family-owned businesses.

Christine Charlton, head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office, Westmeath County Council, said that over the years of recession it became difficult for owners of commercial properties to keep them maintained or to instigate improvements.

This grant will provide an opportunity to improve and enhance the visual appearance of shops, offices in towns and villages, she said.

The scheme will be available to occupiers and owners of commercial premises in towns and villages throughout Westmeath. Applications are being accepted now and forms are available from the council and the Local Enterprise Office websites.

Applications will be assessed on a first come, first served basis and works should not be commenced prior to approval. Grants will be paid out on completion of approved works and subject to proof of payment.

Pat Gallagher, chief executive of Westmeath County Council, said: "It is essential that town centres are attractive places to visit if they are to succeed and thrive. This scheme aims to encourage best practice approaches to shop front design, maintenance and presentation and to create a more attractive environment for residents, visitors, shoppers and businesses.’ The scheme will focus on good design and works should comply with Development Plan standards."

Cllr Aengus O’Rourke, leas-cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council and Chair of the Council’s Economic, Enterprise and Tourism Strategic Policy Committee, stated that a challenge was effectively being laid down to business and property owners, offering them an incentive, tailor made for them which will enable them to enhance the face of their premises but at only half the cost.

He advised everyone in business in the county to avail of this while it is in place and while the money is there, predicting that the quarter million will not last very long.