Mayor launches fund to revive town centres

A new funding initiative has been launched to strengthen high streets and attract visitors across York and North Yorkshire. 

The ‘Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund’ is the first of four schemes under the £27 million Mayoral Challenge Fund, introduced by York and North Yorkshire mayor David Skaith to revitalise local economies.

The fund, which forms part of the combined authority’s devolution deal with the Government, is open for applications from today (February 3), with officials saying it will encourage “fresh thinking and innovative ways” to tackle the lasting effects of lockdown, online shopping and out-of-town retail developments.

Mayor Skaith said: “For phase one of the High Streets Fund, we’re welcoming grant applications from partnerships demonstrating fresh thinking and innovative ways to create vibrant, mixed-use town centres.

“We want to hear from organisations who are working collaboratively to create events, activities and spaces, which increase footfall and staying time while boosting a sense of community.

“As a city centre business owner in York, I understand the challenges. 

“I want to see this new fund used to increase the resilience of our high streets, leading to thriving communities whether they’re on our coast, our urban areas or rural towns and villages.”

Further grant schemes launching in February include the Carbon Negative Challenge Fund, supporting emissions reduction projects, as well as the Skills Innovation Fund, designed to enhance vocational training. 

A fourth funding stream, the Business Innovation Fund, will launch in March, with an aim to boost investment and productivity across the region. 

For more information on the Mayoral Challenge Fund, go to York and North Yorkshire Mayoral Investment Fund.

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