£500k grants up for grabs (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

£500k grants up for grabs

FUNDS of up to £500,000 are now available to give unused properties in Wiltshire a new lease of life.

The funding, provided by the Wiltshire and Swindon Rural Regeneration Partnership, is aimed at converting redundant or seriously underused properties in rural areas into workspace. Only disused buildings that have been granted planning approval for employment use will be considered.

West Wiltshire District Council planning and economic development portfolio holder Jeff Osborn said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for local property owners and developers to turn unused buildings into something that can really benefit the rural economy.

"I would urge anyone who already has planning permission for this type of conversion to apply for a grant."

Applications for funding must be made by either Monday or December 1 and all bids will be judged on the size, purpose and job creation opportunities proposed for the specified workspace. Individual grants of up to 25 per cent of the total investment are available, as long as the minimum investment is £5,000.

Cllr Osborn said: "One of these grants could help meet costs such as finance charges, professional service fees, connections to utilities or construction.

"A successful application could be the difference between an ambition and reality." To apply contact Kerry Greenhalgh on (01225) 712818.