A WELCOME RETAIL BOOST – HIGH STREET BUSINESS SUPPORTED BY COUNCIL SCHEMES
A new business on Deal High Street is looking forward to realising its full potential – with news that a previously empty shop has reopened in the town following support from regeneration schemes from Dover District Council (DDC) and Kent County Council (KCC).
The new shop, Barkened, is a lifestyle shop that designs and handcrafts their own goods and supports other independent makers, selling unique and thoughtful products that are focussed around people, dogs and homes.
Barkened received a £10,000 grant from Dover District Council’s Town Centre Business Grant Scheme and an interest free loan from Kent County Council’s No Use Empty Scheme.
The funding has helped the owners to carry out a complete renovation and restoration of a beautiful heritage building in the conservation area of Deal ensuring it stands for many years to come retaining its character as a shop with living accommodation.
DDC’s offers grants of up to £10,000 to bring commercial properties back into use, or up to £1,000 to upgrade or improve the appearance of commercial properties in designated town centre areas in Dover, Deal and Sandwich.
KCC’s No Use Empty has supported a range of renovations and restorations in Dover District and around Kent.
Mike Whiting, Kent County Council, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “The diversity of projects in which No Use Empty is involved shows what can be done with a recycling loan fund, not only in Dover but Countywide with total investment in the region surpassing £60m.”
Cllr Trevor Bartlett, Leader of Dover District Council, said: “We are delighted to be able to work in partnership with KCC to support regeneration, and help get this empty property reopened on Deal High Street. We are very pleased to be able provide our latest Town Centre Business Grant to help support local business.”