Grants ranging from £2,500 to £25,000 are being made available to bring vacant commercial units on the high street back into use.

The Vacant Commercial Property Grant Scheme has been launched by South Gloucestershire Council in partnership with the Labour-run West of England Combined Authority, which is providing funding.

It’s aimed at eight different areas:

• Filton
• Hanham
• Kingswood
• Staple Hill
• Downend
• Chipping Sodbury
• Yate (Station Road)
• Thornbury

The grants can be used on a variety of things associated with getting a vacant unit up and running, for example new equipment that’s essential to service provision, improvements and extensions to the building, and fit out costs.

Applicants must apply before June 30th 2024 and have match funding of 25 percent. You can apply here.

Labour Group Leader Ian Boulton, Cabinet Member for Education, Business, Skills and Employment, said: “No one wants to see an empty shop on the high street. We want to see our communities full of life and activity.

“This scheme will help get vacant units reopened and restored to their former glory, creating strong local economies and strong local communities.

“A thriving high street is one of the biggest things residents talk to me about. This funding from the West of England Combined Authority will help us address that.”