Boost for businesses as grant scheme opens
A new Council-funded maintenance grant to help businesses and landlords in Mountain Ash and Tonypandy improve town centre property fronts will open for applications from October 9.
During September, Cabinet Members agreed to pilot the Town Centre Maintenance Grant over a one-year period, funded by a £50,000 Council investment, in Mountain Ash and Tonypandy.
From October 2, Council Officers started visiting businesses in the Mountain Ash and Tonypandy Retail Areas, to make them aware of the scheme formally opening – and how they can apply. Owners of vacant properties in eligible areas, who also qualify for the grant, are also being contacted.
The grant will allow traders and landlords, including those of vacant properties, to carry out improvement and maintenance works – including painting, powder coating on shutters and a range of repairs.
Works must be carried out by a reputable contractor, and the scheme will contribute a maximum of 75% towards eligible costs – with a maximum grant of £1,000. A further grant of up to £300 (75% maximum contribution) may also be available where scaffolding or skip hire is required to carry out the work.
From Monday, October 9, an open call for the scheme will begin, with businesses and landlords having no deadline for submission. Applications are assessed on a first-come first-served basis, and limited to one per property.
Councillor Robert Bevan, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Housing, said: “Cabinet Members agreed to pilot the new Town Centre Maintenance Grant last month, to help make town centres more vibrant places to visit – which, in turn, would encourage further investment and commitment to town centres from the private sector.
“The application process opens to businesses in Tonypandy and Mountain Ash on October 9, and the Council has been contacting eligible potential applicants to ensure they are fully-aware of the scheme, and how they can apply for grant funding. The scheme could be extended and introduced in other County Borough town centres in the future.
“Improving our town centres is a priority issue for this Council, and this investment follows a significant move to introduce free parking in Tonypandy, Porth and Mountain Ash in April, as well as reduced charges in Aberdare and Pontypridd – encouraging more people to visit our town centres.”
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