Cathedral Square Shop Improvement Grant Scheme

Our Goal

By regenerating key routes leading to a newly created central point in the city, visitors will be able to enjoy more inspiring views of the Cathedral, with better pedestrian links and a larger space for outside activities and seasonal events.

What is on offer?

The Council are offering grants to businesses on Bread Street, Cross Square and Little Westgate to improve the condition and appeal of their shops.

The Council will meet 100% of the cost of works and fees, up to a maximum of £12,000 per property.

The grant is for external works, including:

• restoring a traditional façade. This includes upper and lower-level feature details and windows
• creating new or improving doorway access to the street
• new or improved signage to create a warmer welcome for customers
• heritage colours, to create a colour scheme that complements and celebrates the streets historic past

Your plans will need to help contribute towards providing a more traditional, consistent appearance to the street.

What else should I know?

The buildings on Bread Street, Cross Square and Little Westgate are in the Wakefield Cathedral Conservation Area. This means they could be nationally or locally listed buildings.

Even if your shop, or the building it occupies, is not listed, and you want to make changes to your building in the conservation area, you will likely need planning permission. To alter, extend or demolish a listed building, you will need Listed Building Consent from the Council.

If you do not own the property, you will need the owner’s permission to apply.

To help you through the whole application process. A council officer will visit you to explain more about the scheme and how, together, we can make the area a unique part of Wakefield city centre.

We pay grants on evidence of defrayment. This means you must complete the works and show proof of payment before receiving the grant.

How do I apply?

Check the red line boundary to see if your shop is eligible for a grant.

To start the process, email regeneration@wakefield.gov.uk. A Project Manager will then get in touch to discuss your proposals.

Please refer to the following guidance notes for more details and additional information to help with your application.