SHOPFRONTS are set to be spruced up in Newquay after funding was awarded to help transform the town centre.

Seventeen small and independent businesses including a variety of restaurants, cafes and retail premises such as Paulines, The Good Lyfe, Pachanga, Café Cloud & Kook will receive grants ranging up to £1,000 from the Shopfront Grant Scheme.

The funding from Experience Newquay, in collaboration with Newquay BID, will support a range of improvements including repainting and repairing façades, installing new signage and adding greenery and creative design features to shopfronts to help create a more vibrant and attractive town centre.

The initiative aims to build on the success of a similar scheme in 2024 as part of a wider plan to continue to enhance the town’s visual appeal and economic vitality.

Mark Warren, the manager for Newquay BID, said: “I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to work with Experience Newquay to secure funding that’s gone directly into improving our local businesses’ shop fronts.

“This funding has made a real difference. It has given many businesses, who might not otherwise have the cash flow, the chance to invest in their premises with some support and match funding from us.”

He added: “The results have been fantastic, with businesses sprucing up their frontages and giving Newquay a fresher, more vibrant look. This project has really kick-started positive change around the town, and we’re already exploring how we can build on this success with future BID-led funding to continue improving the appearance of our town centre.”

The Shopfront Grant scheme is a key part of Experience Newquay’s ongoing efforts to support local businesses and foster a thriving, attractive town centre. The grant is one of several initiatives led by Cornwall Council’s Experience project.

Cllr Tim Dwelly, Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration and investment, said: “Through the Good Growth Programme, we’re investing in the future of our towns and supporting the businesses that make them unique.

“It is great to see the Shopfront Grant scheme in Newquay, delivered through the Experience Project, helping small and independent businesses refresh their premises and create a more vibrant town centre.

“The scheme is a great example of how targeted funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund is delivering visible change for residents, visitors, and the local economy.”

The Experience project is funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Cornwall Council is responsible for managing projects funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme.

The Experience project focuses on boosting tourism and economic growth, particularly during the off-season between October to March.

The project aims to attract visitors during the quieter months, reducing seasonality in the tourism industry. It encourages visitors to connect with Cornwall's culture, history, and natural environment through unique activities and itineraries.

Projects have included Experience Newquay, Experience Bodmin, and Experience Marazion and Penzance, each aiming to enhance the visitor experience and support local businesses.