Issue - meetings

(Joint report of Chief Executive and Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration)

Proposals were set out for extending grant support for local neighbourhood shopping centres, building on the district centre grant scheme launched in 2013.

It was noted that a six month deadline for applications to be submitted would be applied. In addition, Members identified Quarry Hill Parade, Tonbridge as a potential eligible neighbourhood retail centre.

Following consideration by the Economic Regeneration Advisory Board, the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration resolved that:

The proposed grant scheme to support neighbourhood retail centres, as detailed in the report and its Annex, be approved.

Decision Notice D150025MEM

Proposals for extending grant support for local neighbourhood shopping centres, building on the district centre grant scheme launched in 2013, were set out in the joint report of the Chief Executive and the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration.

It was noted that a six month deadline for applications to be submitted would be applied.  In addition, Members identified Quarry Hill Parade, Tonbridge as a potential eligible neighbourhood retail centre.

The previous scheme had generated a good deal of positive engagement with business communities and a wide range of proposals were developed by local traders’ groups, including better signage, promotional materials including new websites and visitor information, and improved street furniture.  It was hoped that this new scheme would generate a similar response and would help and support local retail trade.  Funding criteria was set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

RECOMMENDED:  That the proposed grant scheme to support neighbourhood retail centres, as detailed in the report and its Annex, be approved.