GRANT FUNDING CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE
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Small firms form the fastest growing sector of the economy. New enterprises typically need premises close to home, with affordable rents, and flexible leases. Surplus redundant buildings can often be easily converted to provide just the sort of accommodation these firms are looking for.
Babergh District Council wants to encourage the owners of redundant buildings to release them for a new use, providing accommodation for these growing firms. The Council may be able to help with advice, guidance and financial assistance for suitable conversion projects.
Anyone who owns the freehold or has a substantial leasehold interest in a redundant or under-used building located in the Babergh district may apply for a grant. The application must be made before any conversion or subdivision work has been carried out on the project.
The buildings must be demonstrably redundant, but in a generally sound condition and suitable for conversion without rebuilding. The building must be capable of complying with all statutory requirements, from planning permission and building regulations approval, to meeting Health and Safety requirements. Offers of grant may be made prior, but subject to the necessary approvals being obtained.
The buildings should have the potential to provide employment – creating workspace, either for;
- first-time commercial (non-agricultural) use; or
- tenanted workspace for use by enterprises which do not relate in any way to the host company.
Further specific requirements are as detailed by the Workspace Standard Conditions (PDF, 30Kb).
All aspects of the renovation and conversion of the building may be considered for support, including the reasonable provision of necessary services.
A discretionary grant may be provided to a maximum of 25% of the costs of eligible works to a maximum value of £5,000 per project. The decision of the Council regarding an application for assistance will be final.
The grant will be paid when the work has been completed in accordance with your application proposal and to the satisfaction of the Council.
No, providing the buildings are occupied or available to let on reasonable terms for a minimum of five years after the grant has been paid. However, for example, if you decide to sell the buildings the Council reserves the right to reclaim a proportion of the grant as follows:
| Months |
Repayment |
| 0-12 |
100% |
| 13-24 |
80% |
| 25-36 |
60% |
| 37-48 |
40% |
| 49-60 |
20% |
| 60+ |
NIL |
It is important that you have an informal discussion with us about your proposals prior to making an application for a grant. We would be pleased to discuss your project either in the office or visit you on site.
If required, the Economic Development Manager will be able to assist you in viability assessments, marketing, selection of tenants as well as providing help with obtaining the appropriate statutory approvals. Contact details are below.
Following your discussions you may wish to complete an application. All of the following items are required to be submited.
The above information should be completed and returned to the Council at the address shown on the application form.
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