Mayor Skaith’s Sustainable High Street Fund reveals schemes

The fund aims to drive long term regeneration and strengthen the resilience of York and North Yorkshire high streets for years to come.

Mayor Skaith said: “High streets are constantly changing, but they have, and always will be, hubs for our communities.

“The final phase of the High Street Fund has backed 26 creative projects from the people who know their community best.

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“When we work together, we will transform our high streets into vibrant destinations that residents and visitors will want to return to again and again.”

Successful projects include Putting the Heart into Sherburn High Street, which will introduce a new marketplace to support local retail and create a space for community events, and The Fulford High Street Art Journey, an initiative designed to transform Fulford Road into a more connected and vibrant high street destination.

Heat of Helmsley received funding to deliver a vibrant market town where all feel welcome, particularly those with additional accessibility needs.

One spokesperson from the project said: “The Howardian Hills Partnership is delighted that our application has been successful. We look forward to working with our partner organisations, high street businesses and residents to make Helmsley’s High Street, town and facilities more welcoming and accessible for all. Particularly for multi-generational families and those with restricted mobility or other additional accessibility needs.

“This will give a much-needed boost to the local economy and business confidence, whilst also retaining Helmsley’s rightful place as a key gateway to our two local protected landscapes of the Howardian Hills and North York Moors.”

Since Mayor Skaith introduced the fund in February 2024, a total of 65 projects across York and North Yorkshire have now received financial backing to thrive.

Among the grants Ripon BID received £86,205 to create a heritage trail, and murals plus a Hornblower civic sculpture.

The University of York has received £87, 725 for Heritage Connections, which will create a diverse programme of heritage exhibitions, activities and experiences, boosting regenerative tourism across the historic High Streets of Malton and Norton.

Harrogate Fairtrade will receive £149,633 to create a collaborative ethical shop in Harrogate.

Door 84 will receive £54,015 for The Groves Community Improvement Drive, which aims to rejuvenate its local high street.

As mentioned, Heart of Helmsley will receive £149,150.

York BID will get £96,901 for create The Tempest Play Area for children.

Up for Yorkshire has received £149,837 tocreat an identity for Selby in its Shop for the Future Project.

Circular Malton and Norton CIC received £149,953 to extend its WOW project.

Black Hat Creative receives £89,950 for the Fulford High Street Art Journey.

Harrogate International Festivals receives £148,488 for the Harrogate Unlocked programme of public events.

City of York Council receives £84,900 for a York Riverside Lighting Improvement Project.

The Harrogate Heritage & Community Development project receives £119,215 to create a town centre hub offering visitor information.

Sherburn in Elmet Town Council receives £41,976 to create a marketplace and host community events.

Shopmobility York receives £49,981 to install mobility scooter lockers at York station.

Little Vikings receives £49,900 to promote family-friendly businesses and activities in York.

York Food Festival receives £46,300 for an events equipment sharing scheme.

English Heritage received £40,494 for a hybrid visitor information hub at Clifford’s Tower.