FLINTSHIRE’s town centres are benefitting from much welcomed investment thanks to £150,000 funding secured from Welsh Government.
The Council’s Regeneration Team launched the ‘Town Centre Property Investment Grant’ scheme in April 2023, and local businesses have been keen to secure grants of up to £50,000 – covering up to 70 per cent of the total cost of improvement works.
One of the properties which has been improved through the scheme is 82 Chester Road West in Shotton, which was purchased by brothers Stephen and Paul Makinson in 2020. Previously used as a domestic appliance repair workshop, the property was in need of renovation inside and out.
It now has a more efficient central heating system and better insulation with modern standard doors and windows. The exterior improvements, both at the front and rear of the property, have significantly improved the appearance of the building.
Part of the renovation involved moving an integral staircase to the rear of the property, accessing the residence above, to create a larger more versatile business premise below. This also allowed for the flat above to have its own external access from the rear of the property, making it a self-contained rental property.
Councillor David Healey, Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Economy said: “It is very important that town centres in Flintshire benefit from funding for projects like this one in Shotton.
“Every building on our high streets is important and investment in town centre properties can help to increase footfall, make our towns nicer places to visit and encourage further investment which will deliver benefits to our local economy.”
In addition to the business and residential space, a derelict garage to the rear of the property has been rebuilt and refurbished, which could be used as additional storage for the shop premises or rented out as useful storage space for other local businesses.
Now work is complete, the property has a fully renovated versatile business space on the ground floor. Once rented, the property is expected to increase footfall within Shotton Town Centre.
What was once a single use neglected structure has now been transformed into a property with three separate rental facets for local residents and businesses.
Owner Stephen Makinson said: “I’m really pleased with how the project has turned out. With the help of a grant from Welsh Government to contribute towards the costs of the project, we have managed to significantly improve the building.”
Similar Town Centre Property Improvement Grant funding is being made available for 2024-2025. For further information, please contact [email protected]
