PICS: Shopfront facelifts redefine town centre

BEFORE: The former Kirkby Travel Booking Centre in Station Street.

Kirkby has benefitted from a scheme to create a vibrant and viable town centre which has now seen a more than 20 businesses transformed.

Ashfield District Council said shop fronts play a key role in the town’s character, and their design can significantly improve a street’s appearance and invigorate the local economy.

So the scheme, which offered up to an 80% discretionary grant for traditional renovations to shop fronts and up to a 50% discretionary grant for minor works to shop fronts, has seen traditional achitectural details help to define the character of the town and enhance shopping experiences.

AFTER: Create Your Own Day bridal boutique.

One of the shops to benefit from a grant has been Kirkby Sales and Exchange on Station Street.

Owner Nina Bianco said: “We are really pleased with our smart new shop front and we are very grateful to the Council for their help and support. The improvements were completed in time for Christmas and business has increased considerably. Everyone who visits, has something positive to say about my new shop front.”

Deputy Leader of Ashfield District Council, Cllr Don Davis commented: “The shop front improvements have made a real difference to the town. New businesses have arrived and I believe that business confidence is growing. If premises look this good, they attract more shoppers and visitors, which is good news for the local economy of Kirkby.”

Funding for the scheme was made available through developer contributions from the Lindley’s Lane housing development, and was managed by the Forward Planning Team at the Council.

Due to the success of the scheme, the grant is now closed to new applications.