Sheffield announces investment in high streets

Local businesses in Sheffield are set to benefit from £865,000 of investment in high streets.

Businesses in Hillsborough, Firth Park, Walkley and Broomhill came together to form proposals and have each won £200,000 for their areas to support a range of activities, from improving streetscenes and creating new seating areas to creating arts trails, markets and new events to attract people to local high streets.

Station Road Chapeltown Business Forum has also successfully bid for £50,000 to support their area, with plans for Christmas lights, new seating, and signage.

The funding comes from Sheffield City Council’s Economic Recovery Fund, a grant set up to support businesses following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Cllr Paul Turpin, Executive Member for Inclusive Economy, Jobs and Skills and Chair of the Economic Recovery Fund Steering Group, said: ‘Small, local business are the life blood of our local economy. We are determined to help them get back on their feet after the tough time they have had since the beginning of the pandemic. Being part of the decision-making process for the fund I have been really encouraged by what’s been achieved so far and I am looking forward to seeing what else is in store.

‘I am delighted at the way businesses have worked together for the benefit of their local areas and I am excited to see their plans come to life, especially in the run up to Christmas. If I have one message to residents it is to please support Sheffield businesses to get through this period by shopping local. It really is use it or lose it.’

Emma Marshall, Operations Director at 3squared and member of the Economic Recovery Fund Steering Group, added: ‘Being part of the Steering Group for the Economic Recovery Fund, it has been incredible to see the hard work and passion businesses have for their areas shine through, as well as the dedication of council teams to make this happen for them.

‘I hope that people will repay that effort and dedication with a visit to their local high street in the run up to Christmas and beyond as the need for support will continue into next year. We know January and February can be really lean months for businesses, so making local shopping choices now will build resilience into businesses later.’

In related news, Oxford City Council plans on creating affordable business space for entrepreneurs and start-ups, through a £9.7m scheme to demolish Standingford House and redevelop the site.

Photo supplied by Sheffield City Council