Facelift for Uxbridge Road
by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
21/10/2008
A parade of properties in Shepherds Bush could benefit from a half-a-million pound facelift.
Hammersmith & Fulham Council is offering up to £45,000 each to people from 54-108 Uxbridge Road.
Small businesses and home owners along the front of the northern side of Shepherds Bush Green can apply for the cash to make over their shop-fronts and upper floor facades.
The buildings, which date back to Edwardian times, are in the Shepherds Bush conservation area and are architecturally important, being some of the finest buildings from this era in the borough.
Using the grant, original features on the shops, such as ornamental pillars and decorative cornerstones, could be restored or reinstated. The shops could also have new signs, lighting, and canopies, and could be adapted for people with mobility difficulties.
The upper floor level is also eligible for a revamp through cleaning and painting, and repairing and replacing brickwork, stonework, windows, leading and guttering.
Councillor Nicholas Botterill, cabinet member for environment, said: “Small businesses and local traders are the lifeblood of our economy and this council will do everything it can to help them.
“Westfield London can act as a catalyst for the wider regeneration of Shepherds Bush but this council will never forget the small and medium sized businesses that have historically given this area its edge.”
Freeholders or leaseholders who have responsibility for external maintenance and repairs are eligible for grants.
Plans tie in with other regeneration activities taking place in the town centre, in particular the revamp of Shepherds Bush Green. It is hoped that by improving the appearance of the row of buildings, more shoppers and visitors will come to the town centre. An estimated 500,000 new visitors are expected to visit Shepherds Bush every week when the new Westfield mega-mall opens on October 30.
If you would like to apply for a grant you can email uxbridgeroadgrantscheme@lbhf.gov.uk or call 020 8753 3503 for more information.
