Some of you may have read in the national press that schemes are planned under the Government’s ‘levelling up initiative’ particularly aimed at re-vitalising our town and city centres.
We have news of one such scheme – a ‘No Use Empty’ scheme where interest free loans are available to property owners and developers . This is a loan scheme, and not a grant and is particularly aimed at revitalising our High Street.
The Southend led NUE project is focussing solely on commercial property, with the objective of returning between 10 and 15 empty buildings to use across the NUE SE partnership, (Southend, Basildon, Thurrock, Castle Point, Rochford and Brentwood) supporting new developments for alternative commercial purpose, or mixed-use commercial/residential.
Funding is time limited , Interest free loans are available in multiple of £25k, up to a maximum of £175,000.
More information is available from Tony Wilson at Southend City Council. You can email Tony direct on NoUseEmpty@Southend.gov.uk and further details are available on their website www.southend.gov.uk/nuese. Tony will be delighted to hear from you and is encouraging interested parties to act fast to maximise the impact of this limited funding.
Diane Tait
Commercial Manager