High street businesses benefit from £100,000 boost thanks to NEZ funding
Published:
Read Time: 3 mins
Businesses in Newhaven town centre have benefited from nearly £100,000 of investment for shopfront makeovers since the launch of Newhaven Enterprise Zone’s (NEZ) Town Centre Revitalisation Fund.
Grants have been awarded to 17 town centre businesses to help them transform the outside of their shops with new signage, lighting and more.
There has been an increase in demand for commercial space in the town centre as a result of the funding and businesses which received a grant have reported a boost in trade after their makeover.
Michelle Connors, programme manager at Newhaven Enterprise Zone, said: “It’s been great to see the positive impact the Town Centre Revitalisation Fund has had on high street businesses in Newhaven.
“The modernised shopfronts look fantastic and reflect the drive and ambition of the people behind these businesses who want to help Newhaven become a thriving place to work and live.
“Newhaven continues to welcome development, and with the new health and wellbeing hub due to open in September, more people will be visiting the town centre.
“We’d like to hear from businesses who want to be a part of the positive momentum taking place in Newhaven by giving their shopfront a new look, which will help make our town centre a vibrant and welcoming place for its visitors.”
NEZ has worked with The Company Connector to bring the scheme to life, and together have successfully identified businesses which would benefit, supported them through the application process and provided funding to deliver the makeover.
The most recent project completions include Pat’s Pizza, Newhaven Tap, The Viceroy, Bursa Kebab and Naomi’s Hair Salon. Last year, renovations were completed at South Coast Residential, Barwells Solicitors, Christopher Sarson Funeral Director and Newhaven Cards.
Projects currently in progress include Newhaven Pet Foods, Old Bakery Building (Newall Properties), Bodyhaven and Aforedable Golf.
Jeremy Taylor, managing director of The Company Connector, said: “We’ve completed several projects now, and it’s great to hear from these businesses that the funding has made a real difference to their trade.
“We’ve seen for ourselves that more people are visiting the town centre and we’ve also had more businesses enquiring about vacant space in the high street, paving the way for a reinvigorated high street.”
One of the businesses to have benefited from the funding is Bursa Kebab, located on the High Street in Newhaven.
With a share of the Town Centre Revitalisation Fund, Bursa Kebab had a brand-new shopfront installed along with a new illuminated shop sign.
Mark Bursa, founder of Bursa Kebab, said: “Our new shopfront has made a real difference to how our business presents itself, and customers often tell us that it looks much more modern and welcoming.
“The NEZ funding process was clear, and the team were supportive throughout. The improvements to our shopfront and those around us have lifted the overall look and feel of Newhaven town centre.”
All independent retailers, landowners and tenants located in the Town Centre Enterprise Zone are invited to apply for a share of the Town Centre Revitalisation Fund. A minimum of 25% match funding is required and a maximum grant of £7,500 is available.
Businesses need to demonstrate the impact and benefits their project will have in Newhaven town centre, be good value for money and delivered within a 12-month period.
Applicants receive support throughout the process, and HNW Architects has produced a design guide to help businesses maximise their impact.
For further information, please contact jeremy.taylor@thecompanyconnector.com
For further information please visit: https://newhavenenterprisezone.com/nez-forward/town-centre-revitalisation-fund/
Ends
Editors notes
Newhaven Enterprise Zone’s mission is to transform Newhaven into a thriving business destination by 2030, with a repurposed town centre, to support growth sectors and boost the economy. Its current investment plan includes seven key initiatives, including news grant programmes to drive productivity, business growth and investment, helping to create sustainable, inclusive jobs that benefit the entire community.
