A charity hospice shop has become the latest to complete work on its shop front thanks to funding from Wakefield Council who are investing £1.1 million in improving local shops and businesses in the district.

The Prince of Wales Hospice shop, in South Elmsall, received funding from the Shop Improvement Grant Scheme that was set up to enhance the look of shops and businesses in local high streets and encourage people to shop and visit the town centres.

Nearly £110,000 worth of grants have been allocated so far to eligible business owners in South Elmsall, South Kirkby and Moorthorpe.

In total, £876,000 is being spent on shop improvements and an additional £229,000 has been made available for owners who want to upgrade their existing security measures, under the Shop Security Grant Scheme.

Cllr Michael Graham, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Growth, said: “The Council is committed to doing all it can to support local shops that have been on our high streets for many years. Our aim is to deliver quality regeneration projects that will inspire and encourage new investment into our towns and the surrounding areas."

“Our Shop Improvement Grant scheme is one of the ways we are helping them by investing in the appearance and vibrancy of local high street shops. We want the district’s town centres to be attractive destinations for residents and visitors alike, to boost our local economies."

“I’m looking forward to seeing more shops undergoing a revamp and as grants are still available in many areas of the district, I would encourage businesses to get in touch.”

Jackie Jones, Retail Manager at The Prince of Wales Hospice, said: “It’s been more than ten years since our South Elmsall charity shop was last refurbished. Customers were telling us that although they loved our little shop, it was looking rather tired, uninspiring, and dated."

“The Shop Improvement Grant from Wakefield Council gave us the opportunity to enhance the shop's front appearance, making it more appealing to customers."

“After reopening, customers have been incredibly positive, praising the new designs, improved lighting, and customer-friendly layouts. This upgrade brings a fresh and vibrant shopping experience for customers while supporting the Hospice’s mission to provide specialist care for people with life-limiting illness and their families.”

The Shop Improvement Grant scheme is still open to new enquiries in South Elmsall, South Kirkby and Moorthorpe, with plans to include Hemsworth in the upcoming months. Further information on the Hemsworth scheme will be made available shortly.

The money can be spent on improvements to the outside of the premises, such as repairing or restoring façades and new or improved canopies and signage.

New tenants can also apply for funding if they are occupying a vacant property.

The Shop Security Grant scheme is also still open to new enquiries in Castleford and Wakefield with phase two recently launched.