Landlords, property owners, businesses and community groups in Ely are being given the opportunity to apply for up to £20,000 worth of funding to improve the front of buildings or the general appearance of the city centre. 

Examples of projects that will be considered include minor structural or aesthetic repairs to frontages, new or improved signage (not illuminated), street furniture, glazing, painting, planting, improved awnings and improved access into and out of premises. 

Interested organisations have between Monday 15 July and Friday 30 August 2024 to submit bids between £500 and £20,000. 

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) ring-fenced £1 million of funding for each of its market towns to deliver interventions identified in their Masterplan documents, which are designed to increase economic growth.

Members of East Cambridgeshire District Council allocated £75,000 for Ely to its Market Towns Programme Fund at its Finance and Assets Committee Meeting on 27 June to support small improvement projects. 

Councillor Anna Bailey, leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Carrying out small improvements such as fixing broken signs, planting up shop fronts or replacing street furniture make a huge difference in enhancing our market towns and this will encourage residents, shoppers and visitors to spend more time here, which in turn will benefit the local economy. 

“We realise with the cost of living crisis many businesses and organisations do not have the extra funds to carry out improvement works. 

“This grant is designed to help anyone who has responsibility for buildings in Ely. 

“It really is a case of small changes being able to make a big difference.” 

The picture below shows Rumbles Fish Bar on Market Street, Ely which successfully applied for funding last year. As it's located in a Conversation area the style of writing was approved by the Conservation Officer at the council:

Grant funding under this scheme will cover the cost of improvements (capital expenditure) and is not intended for work such as surveys, advice or other costs that might be considered non-capital expenditure. 

All applications will be assessed following the closing date and funds will be allocated to those which most closely match the funding criteria. 

For more information about the funds visit the grant funding pages on East Cambridgeshire District Council’s website.