New applications will soon be taken for improvements to the borough’s shopping parades, in a continuation of the council’s efforts to foster local economic growth.
The new round of the Local Parades Improvement Initiative will see £50,000 allocated to improve local parades across the borough, with each investment being made for a specific improvement that does not place maintenance responsibilities on the council. This builds on the works delivered on over 30 parades across the borough in previous rounds of the initiative, with businesses and business groups encouraged to come forward with proposals through their local councillors.
Five parades will be selected to each receive £10,000 for specific improvements, which may range from paving to street furniture to greenery. Investments could also be made in initiatives such as installing new local signage or rejuvenating empty storefronts. Applications will open in January, but with businesses encouraged to raise proposals with their local councillors now to give time to develop an application.
Councillor Yvonne Bear, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, said: “I am delighted that we are continuing our support for local shopping parades, which play such a vital role in our communities and in driving growth for the local economy. I know that many businesses will have thoughts on how best to improve their parades and I strongly encourage them to contact their local councillors to develop these proposals, which could provide that added boost that gets more residents shopping locally and supporting Bromley’s businesses.”
The council has seen a total of £250,000 allocated for investments to improve local parades as part of the Local Parades Improvement Initiative. To date, over 30 parades have received funding, for example Clock House Parade in Beckenham, which benefitted from pavement cleaning and resurfacing, new trees and the installation of bike stands. A further 12 projects are in progress and due for completion in the coming months.
Applications for the next round of the Local Parades Improvement Initiative will open on 1 January 2024 and close on 31 January 2024. All bids must demonstrate a sustainable benefit for local businesses, the economy, and the wider community with no future cost implications for the council.
Applications must be submitted by councillors on behalf of local businesses or business groups located on shopping parades in their wards.
Residents can find contact details for their local councillors at https://cds.bromley.gov.uk/mgFindMember.aspx.
Applicants will have until 4 December 2023 to ask any questions or for clarifications about the bidding process.
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For media enquiries, please contact James George, Senior Public Affairs Officer, on 020 8313 4565 or email james.george@bromley.gov.uk