Extension to improvement scheme for Kirkham’s town centre

Business owners are being encouraged to apply for funding grants to help bring their properties back to their best in the latest stage of the Fylde town’s regeneration plan.

Last year, Kirkham became one of 68 places in England to be designated by Historic England as a High Street Heritage Action Zone (HS HAZ). The regeneration initiative works with local authorities to revitalise heritage-rich areas by restoring and reinstating historic features. 

Over 20 businesses in the town’s central conservation area have already signed up to the Shop Front Improvement Scheme.

Following a further £6.3m commitment under the Government’s Future High Street Fund (FHSF), Fylde Borough Council has announced the scheme will be rolled out across the entire town centre.

In a statement, Andrew Chatterjee, Fylde Council’s HS HAZ Programme Manager, said: ‘Kirkham has a historic town centre, many of the shop buildings are more than 100 years old, but some properties have been unsympathetically altered over time.

‘This is a fantastic opportunity to restore the town’s high street to its former glory and for business owners to not only improve their own properties, but really make a real difference to the town centre as a whole.

‘Thanks to the multi-million-pound funding we have secured through the HS HAZ and FHSF programmes we are able to offer businesses thousands of pounds in grants – covering up to 90% of the design and build of the works. We have the money – now it’s time to put it to real use.

‘The council recently held a number of engagement events with local traders and landlords, where we were able to explain how they could take advantage of the grants, and we are delighted there has been a really high level of interest.’

The roll-out forms part of a wide-ranging £10m plan to revive the town. Led by the council’s regeneration team in partnership with Lancashire County Council and Kirkham Town Council, the four-year plan aims to bring disused and dilapidated properties back into use. 

Grants will be available for up to 90% of the cost of reinstating historic features such as wooden sash windows and traditional timber shop fronts as well as repairs to brickwork, pointing and guttering. 

Buildings may be repurposed to attract new uses, bringing inward investment and transforming the public realm. The opening up of upper floor accommodation will be encouraged, tackling the housing shortage and bringing a return to town centre living. Restoring a sense of local character could bring associated benefits in health and wellbeing. 

Speaking about the announcement, Tamsin Cooke, heritage at risk projects officer at Historic England, said: ‘Business owners in Kirkham have a unique opportunity to revitalise their historic high street, drawing from the town’s rich heritage to maximise appeal for locals and visitors alike.

‘We’ve been thrilled that so many building owners have seized the opportunity to get involved already, and we urge others who are still weighing this up to get in touch with Kirkham Futures now.’