Three businesses in Droitwich Spa have received funding from Wychavon to update their business frontages to encourage footfall to the town.
The Business Front Improvement Grant is a collaboration between Wychavon and the Droitwich Spa Place Board and is funded by Wychavon’s share of the Government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund, supporting the revitalisation of our town centres. It gives businesses who apply fifty percent of the renovation costs needed to upgrade their shop frontages.
This latest funding will benefit Parks Café, Queens Fish & Chips, and Brown & Fincher, which will all receive funding to renovate their shopfronts.
Cllr Richard Morris, Executive Board Member for Economic Growth and Tourism on Wychavon District Council, said: “Keeping Droitwich Spa an attractive place for residents and tourists is a priority. I am delighted that we can use our portion of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to make these and other improvements to our high street.”
Matt Nicol, Chair of the Droitwich Spa Place Board, said: “These improvements are having a significant impact on our high street. They help highlight the town’s historic architecture and character. We are proud to be part of this initiative.”
Parks Café in Victoria Square has received just over £9,000 in match funding. This has been used to enhance the café's appearance and will allow visitors to sit outside. The outdoor area has been improved with an electric navy blue awning and landscaping with giant palms and topiary trees in clay planters. The ground has been tarmacked to accommodate prams and wheelchair users, the exterior has been cleaned and decorated, and signage and window stickers have been updated, among other enhancements.
Kathleen Westwood, owner of the Parks Café, said: “I am extremely thankful for the Council’s Business Front Improvement Grant. It has improved the appearance of my business, the high street, and the number of patrons I can seat—it is great to also be accessible for all. The fund has helped to revive and restore the building's frontage, reinstating traditional shop frontage features.”
Brown & Fincher, located on the High Street, has received over £7,000 to replace rotten timber and to clean and paint the shopfront. Queens Fish & Chips, situated on Queens Street, received just under £2,000 to replace the original signage with an illuminated version.
Visit www.wychavon.gov.uk/town-centres to learn more about the work of the Droitwich Spa Place Board and the initiatives in Evesham and Pershore.