High Street Improvement Grants are local funding programmes designed to help revitalise town centres, improve commercial areas and support businesses occupying retail or mixed-use premises.

Funding is commonly delivered through local councils, regeneration programmes, Town Deal funding, Levelling Up projects and regional economic initiatives.

These schemes are intended to improve high streets, encourage investment and reduce vacant commercial units.

Funding amounts vary significantly by area and may range from small grants of £2,000–£10,000 through to £50,000+ for larger regeneration projects.

What Support Could Be Available?

Funding may support:

  • Vacant commercial premises
  • Shop upgrades
  • High street regeneration projects
  • Streetscape improvements
  • New business premises support
  • Shopfront improvements
  • Building repairs
  • Accessibility improvements
  • Security shutters and signage
  • Energy-efficiency upgrades
  • External decorations and frontage works
  • Bringing empty units back into use

Who May Qualify?

Support is commonly aimed at:

  • Independent businesses
  • Existing high street retailers
  • New businesses opening premises
  • Property owners
  • Landlords of commercial units
  • Town centre businesses
  • Community enterprises

Eligibility often depends on:

  • Property location
  • Town centre boundaries
  • Type of business
  • Proposed improvement works
  • Local regeneration priorities

Typical Grant Levels

Examples may include:

Small Improvement Grants

  • £2,000–£10,000

For:

  • Shop signage
  • External repairs
  • Accessibility improvements
  • Small refurbishments

Regeneration & Property Grants

  • £10,000–£50,000+

For:

  • Major building works
  • Vacant property conversions
  • High street regeneration
  • Empty shop redevelopment

Larger projects frequently require match funding.

Step By Step – How To Apply

Step 1 – Contact Your Local Council

Ask for:

  • Economic Development Team
  • Town Centre Regeneration Team
  • Business Growth Team
  • Regeneration Department

Step 2 – Confirm Eligibility

Councils may review:

  • Property address
  • Proposed works
  • Business type
  • Ownership details
  • Planning requirements

Step 3 – Gather Supporting Documents

Applications commonly require:

  • Quotes for works
  • Photographs
  • Business plans
  • Cost estimates
  • Proof of ownership or tenancy

Step 4 – Submit Application

Applications are usually made directly through the local authority or regeneration delivery team.

Advice & Financial Support

Local Council Regeneration Team

Contact your local authority and ask for:

  • High Street Improvement Grants
  • Shop Front Improvement Schemes
  • Empty Property Grants
  • Town Centre Regeneration Funding

Business Support Helpline

Phone: 0800 998 1098

Can help with:

  • Business support programmes
  • Local grant schemes
  • Growth support
  • Regeneration opportunities

Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)

Phone: 0808 2020 888

Can help with:

  • Small business advice
  • Local business opportunities
  • High street support information

Contact Grants Gateway to discuss high street grants, regeneration funding and business support that may apply to your circumstances.

Available support and eligibility requirements can vary depending on location and individual circumstances.