North Yorkshire Mayor launches multi-million High Streets fund

North Yorkshire Mayor Unveils Multi-Million High Streets Fund Initiative

The Mayor of North Yorkshire launches a new fund to revitalize local high streets and attract visitors to town centers.

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North Yorkshire, York, Skipton, Settle, High Streets Fund, Mayoral Challenge Fund

North Yorkshire: The Mayor has launched a new fund to help local high streets. The goal is to make town centers like Skipton and Settle more vibrant and welcoming.

Grants from this fund can support events, activities, and reduce vacant shops. The aim is to improve how people view these areas, both locals and visitors.

This High Streets Fund is part of a larger £27 million Mayoral Challenge Fund. Over the next four years, it will also support key business sectors and promote skills development.

At the launch in York, the Mayor emphasized that town centers are vital to communities. However, they face challenges from online shopping and big retail parks.

For the first phase, the fund is open to partnerships with innovative ideas. The Mayor wants to see projects that create lively spaces and events to draw people in.

As a local business owner, he understands the challenges faced by high streets. He hopes this fund will help create thriving communities across urban and rural areas.

The Mayoral Challenge Fund is part of a deal with the Government. Two other grant schemes were also launched recently.

The Carbon Negative Challenge Fund will support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The goal is to achieve carbon-negative status by 2040.

The Skills Innovation Fund aims to improve skills development and address challenges in adult learning. It will help organizations like Craven College innovate and grow.

A fourth fund, the Business Innovation Fund, will launch in March. It aims to attract investment and support businesses in becoming more resilient.

Applications for the High Streets Fund opened on Monday and close on March 21. Grants range from £5,000 to £40,000 for local partnerships.

Local groups are encouraged to propose projects that strengthen town centers. Projects should be active between May 2025 and December 2025.

For more information, visit: https://yorknorthyorks-ca.gov.uk/project/mayoral-investment-fund

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