Shops on high streets across the borough have the opportunity to benefit from a makeover thanks to a £270,000 investment secured by Rotherham Council.
As part of its commitment to breathe new life into Rotherham’s high streets and create thriving neighbourhoods, the Council has launched the Shop Unit Business Grant Project, funded through the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), with support from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).
The grant aims to help high street businesses in the town centre, Dinnington, Maltby, Swinton and Wath-Upon-Dearne enhance their premises by funding improvements that will contribute to their overall look, feel and vibrancy.
Eligible businesses can apply for grants of up to £25,000 to improve the look and feel of their shop units. Improvements could include new shopfronts, signage, flooring, lighting and other refurbishments that will enhance the attractiveness of local high streets.
Businesses are being encouraged to act quickly, with grants awarded on a first come, first served basis until the full allocation is spent.
Applications are open until 30 October 2025, with all projects set to be completed by the end of December 2025.
Cllr John Williams, Cabinet Member for Transport, Jobs and the Local Economy said: “We’re committed to forging ahead and breathing new life into our high streets across the borough.
“This funding represents an opportunity to support the local businesses at the heart of our communities. By investing in the look and feel of shops located in our town centres, we’re helping to create more vibrant, welcoming spaces for residents, shoppers and visitors alike. I’d encourage all eligible businesses to apply early and make the most of this support.”
Businesses interested should contact businessgrants@rotherham.gov.uk
The Shop Unit Business Grant Project is the latest example of how Rotherham Council’s commitment to revitalising Rotherham’s towns and villages.
The £4 million Our Places Fund will be delivered between January 2025 and March 2026, focusing on improvement projects to key gateways into principal towns and villages. News on the projects the investment will support, will be released over the coming months.
Elsewhere, £20m secured from the government’s Pathfinder funding will be used towards the redevelopment of Dinnington, which will feature high-quality public spaces and landscaping to promote a healthy, sustainable town. The £20m funding will also be used in Wath, with plans to build new commercial space to support a diverse mix of small businesses, enhance green spaces, and create a new library, providing a modern and inclusive community facility.
It follows ongoing investment in Rotherham town centre which has seen the delivery of the £47m leisure hub Forge Island, which has welcomed restaurants Vetro Lounge and Sygnature dish so far this year, complementing Arc Cinema and Travelodge, with work also underway on major public realm regeneration project Riverside Gardens.
The investment across Rotherham’s high streets will be complemented by the introduction of a new ‘Street Safe Team’ focused on increasing safety in town and village centres, as well as a new team dedicated to roadside cleansing, with a focus on popular routes and key gateways.
