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Shop Front Improvement Grant Scheme

Oldham Council has launched the Shop Front Improvement Grant Scheme to help improve the appearance of independent businesses in Oldham town centre.

The scheme is funded through the Economic Development and Regeneration Flexible Grant Programme (UK Government).

The scheme aims to:

  • enhance the appearance of Oldham town centre
  • support the regeneration of commercial areas by improving street appeal
  • increase footfall and economic activity

Applications open on Wednesday 1 July 2026 and close on Wednesday 12 August 2026.

Applications will be assessed on a first come, first served basis, subject to the available budget.

All approved improvement works must be completed and final invoices submitted by 28 February 2027.

How much funding is available

The grant will cover up to 75% of eligible project costs.

Maximum grant awards are:

  • up to £10,000 for standard shop fronts
  • up to £20,000 for double-fronted premises

Applicants must provide at least 25% match funding.

All grants are discretionary, subject to funding availability and awarded at the Council's discretion.

Check if you are eligible

Before applying, please check that your business, property and proposed project meet the eligibility criteria below.

Who can apply

You can apply if you are:

  • an independent business, not part of a national or regional chain
  • operating from a commercial, non-residential property
  • the property owner
  • a tenant with written landlord consent, a licence to alter where required, and at least 12 months remaining on your lease

Applicants must not have carried out significant shop front improvements during the previous two years.

If you own a vacant commercial property, the proposed end use must be approved by the Council before funding can be considered.

Businesses with outstanding Business Rates are not eligible.

Food and beverage businesses must have a Food Hygiene Rating of 3 or above to be considered.

Eligible areas

Applications are open to independent retail and service businesses within the Oldham town centre boundary.

Priority will be given to businesses:

  • on Yorkshire Street, Union Street, Henshaw Street or George Street
  • at or close to key arrival points or regeneration sites, including the new outdoor market on George Street and the Coliseum Theatre on Fairbottom Street
  • where several neighbouring businesses are improving their shop fronts at the same time

What the grant can fund

The grant can support:

  • new or replacement signage, in line with planning guidance
  • external painting and decorative works
  • repair or replacement of doors and windows, subject to planning and Building Regulations requirements
  • restoration of original architectural features
  • installation of non-security lighting, such as decorative or ambient external lighting
  • improvements to first-floor frontages where they form part of the same commercial unit
  • professional fees, such as planning or Building Regulations costs, considered on a case-by-case basis

What the grant will not fund

The grant cannot be used for:

  • security measures such as roller shutters, grilles, alarms or CCTV
  • internal refurbishment works
  • routine maintenance or repairs that do not provide a visual improvement, including the future upkeep of grant-funded items
  • projects that have already started or been completed before a formal grant offer is made

Before you apply

Before submitting your application, please make sure you:

  • have checked that your business, property and project are eligible
  • discuss your proposal with the Business and Investment Team if you need advice
  • have your landlord's consent if you lease the property
  • have at least 12 months remaining on your lease if you are a tenant
  • can submit your application by 12 August 2026
  • can complete the project and submit invoices by 28 February 2027
  • keep all original documents for your records and submit copies only
  • do not start any work until you receive written approval from the Council

What you need to provide

Please submit copies of:

  • a completed application form, including the legal name of the business
  • at least one itemised written quotation from a local contractor. Two quotations are preferred
  • photographs of the existing shop front
  • proof of ownership or a lease, together with landlord permission and a licence to alter where required
  • evidence of your business bank account
  • any relevant planning permissions or approvals

How to apply

Download and complete the application form:

Submit your completed application together with all supporting documents by 12 August 2026.

Applications can be sent by email to:

invest@oldham.gov.uk

Or by post to:

Spindles Centre Management
Oldham Council
Spindles Shopping Centre
West Street
Oldham
OL1 1LF

How applications are assessed

Applications will be reviewed by Oldham Council officers.

As part of the assessment, checks may be carried out with other Council services, including Business Rates and Environmental Health.

A site visit may also be arranged.

Applications will be assessed against:

  • visual impact
  • contribution to town centre vibrancy
  • value for money
  • compliance with planning guidance

Decisions are made at the Council's discretion and are subject to the available budget.

There is no right of appeal.

If your application is successful

You will receive a conditional grant agreement setting out any requirements that must be met before work begins.

You must formally accept the grant offer before starting work.

You must then:

  • complete the approved works
  • submit final invoices
  • provide photographs showing the completed works
  • provide copies of any Planning, Advertisement Consent or Building Regulations completion certificates where applicable

The Council will carry out a final inspection before the grant is paid.

Grant payments will be made as a single payment directly into your business bank account once all approved works have been completed and the required evidence has been received.

VAT-registered businesses should base their grant claim on the net project cost.

What happens next

After your application has been submitted:

  1. Your application will be acknowledged by email.
  2. A Council officer will contact you to discuss your proposal or arrange a site visit.
  3. Your application will be assessed.
  4. If successful, you will receive a conditional grant offer.
  5. You must accept the offer before starting work.
  6. Complete the approved works by 28 February 2027.
  7. The completed work will be inspected.
  8. Once all required evidence has been received and approved, your grant payment will be made.

Additional information

  • Grants are discretionary and subject to funding availability.
  • Applications are assessed on a first come, first served basis.
  • Projects must not begin until written approval has been received.
  • Before and after photographs are required.
  • Projects must comply with the Council's design guidance.
  • All necessary Planning, Advertisement Consent and Building Regulations approvals must be in place before any grant payment can be made.
  • Grant payments are made only after satisfactory completion of the approved works.
  • Grant payments are made directly into the applicant's business bank account.
  • The Council reserves the right to amend the grant scheme or eligibility criteria at any time without prior notice.
  • The Council's decision is final and there is no right of appeal.

Contact us

If you have any questions or need help completing your application, contact the Business and Investment Team.