Rotherham Town Centre’s Business Vitality Scheme aims to help attract new, specialist independent retailers to set up business through financial contributions towards both rental & capital improvement costs.

The scheme offers successful applicants:

• 50% towards Rental Costs in year 1
• 25% towards Rental Costs in year 2
• 75% of cost of Fit Out/ Shopfront Improvements and/ or New Street Café Furniture
     (with a maximum contribution of £7,500).

Businesses are invited to apply for a Rental Contribution, a Capital Improvement Grant or both.

The scheme is applicable for independent traders or franchisees that are not trading as part of a nationally or regionally owned chain operating more 9 or more outlets including:

• Retailers not currently represented in Rotherham Town Centre
• Retailers who are currently represented within Rotherham Town Centre but who
     are looking to expand

The scheme specifically aims to support those specialist retailers offering a niche product range that will positively contribute to the overall town centre offer. As such a priority category list has been drawn up and the scheme is applicable to those businesses that fit into one or more of the categories.

The scheme is applicable for properties that:

• Are located within a defined boundary in Rotherham Town Centre
• Have a maximum rental value of £25,000 per annum (at the time the grant is approved)
• Are available on a permanent let (for a minimum period of 5 years)

The scheme is not applicable for those businesses who have already signed a lease or tenancy agreement.