Grants Programme

There are currently two funding opportunities open for applications relating to the Newcastle East High Streets Project.

Grant Scheme 1: Empty Properties Grants – Open Call (go here for information on the criteria)

A key objective of the project is to address the current high street offer and empty properties on Shields Road, Chillingham Road, Heaton Road, Heaton Park Road and part of Welbeck Road. To support this, grant funding is now available to bring unoccupied space back into use and includes:

• Revenue funding of up to £15,000 (e.g., planning or consultancy fees, market research)
• Capital funding of up to £25,000 (for physical improvements)

Please note there is a min requirement of 20% match-funding for both revenue and capital grants. 

The primary purpose of the funding is to unlock space to provide a range of uses including community, creative and commercial that will contribute to creating better services for local people. We particularly welcome applications relating to Shields Road.   

Grant Scheme 2: Events – Open Call (go here for information on the ciriteria)

To help animate the five high streets and make greater use of indoor/outdoor space, funding is available to deliver events on and around the five high streets with a focus on Shields Road.

Local organisations from the project area Newcastle High Streets | Commonplace are invited to apply for grants of up to £10,000 (although it is expected that the majority of grants will be up to £5,000). Events/activity might include but is not limited to markets, pop up shops/food, community events, walks and tours.

Please note that this funding is focusing on preparing and delivering new small community-led events. We particularly want to see a range of events delivered during both the day and evening. 

The open call for both schemes will operate on a rolling basis. There is currently no deadline, though this may change in the future as funding is awarded. We expect the first applications to be assessed in April 2023, with subsequent assessments taking place roughly every month (except December).

Potential applicants should express an interest by emailing  economicdevelopment@newcastle.gov.uk

Application forms will then be provided following an initial discussion about potential proposals.