Brackley town centre grants reopen with enhanced support for local businesses

09 July 2026

Independent businesses in Brackley are set to benefit from a second round of funding through the Brackley Town Centre Grants scheme, with increased grant support and eligibility extended to include new businesses.

Delivered by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) in partnership with Brackley Town Council, the grant scheme is designed to enhance the appearance, historic character and economic vitality of Brackley town centre while supporting businesses to invest, grow and attract more customers. The scheme is funded through the Section 106 Brackley Town Fund and aims to boost footfall, strengthen the local economy and create a more welcoming high street.

Following the successful launch of the first funding round, several improvements have been introduced to make the scheme even more accessible and attractive to businesses.

Eligible businesses can apply for grants of up to £10,000. Shopfront and exterior improvement projects are now eligible for up to 80% match-grant funding, meaning businesses only need to contribute the remaining 20% of project costs. Funding for interior improvements, refurbishment projects and new service offerings will continue to be available on a 50% match-funded basis.

For the first time, the scheme is also open to new businesses looking to establish themselves in Brackley town centre, alongside existing independent businesses. In addition, costs for pre-application planning permission advice will be waived for grant-funded projects, helping businesses reduce costs even further.
Businesses can apply for funding towards a range of improvements, including:

• Shopfront improvements and exterior upgrades
• Internal refurbishments and modernisation
• Accessibility improvements
• Essential equipment needed to deliver services
• New products or services that will help increase footfall and sales

Cllr Kamala Guliyeva, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at WNC, said: "We're really pleased to reopen the Brackley Town Centre Grants scheme following the strong interest in the first round of funding. We've introduced several changes to make the scheme even more accessible and help local businesses make the improvements that matter most to them.

"Independent businesses help give Brackley its unique character, and these grants will support them to enhance their premises, grow their offer and contribute to a town centre that residents and visitors can continue to enjoy and be proud of."

Kathy Hale Town Clerk of Brackley Town Council said: "We're delighted to see the Brackley Town Centre Grants scheme return. We hope this funding will help business owners make improvements that may previously have been out of reach, whether that's refreshing shopfronts, improving premises or developing new products and services.

With operating costs remaining high, this scheme offers a valuable opportunity for businesses to invest in their future while making our town centre even more attractive for residents and visitors alike."

Applications are assessed quarterly by a Grant Decision Panel made up of representatives from WNC and Brackley Town Council. Funding is discretionary and subject to eligibility and availability. Franchise businesses are not eligible for support.

Businesses interested in applying should email [email protected] to register their expression of interest and receive an application pack.

Full eligibility criteria, guidance notes and frequently asked questions are available on the Brackley town centre grants webpage.