A new scheme to support the borough’s high streets will give people the chance to get involved in deciding how their town centres and local shopping parades are improved.
Ealing Council is investing £1.4million in its new Thriving Towns programme, which will be developed with local communities to help create vibrant and welcoming high streets.
Whether it’s creating spaces where neighbours can meet, making high streets more attractive to visit, supporting local independent businesses, or encouraging more community events, the programme aims to make tangible improvements to places that people use every day.
Through the programme, residents, community groups, high street landlords, and local business communities will collaborate with partners including the council to deliver projects that matter most to them.
As well as supporting borough-wide initiatives, the programme will focus on each of the 7 towns, recognising the different needs and characters of local high streets across the borough.
It builds on the council’s jobs and skills strategy, economy after 6pm strategy, community-led regeneration charter, placemaking delivery plans for North Acton, West Ealing, and Southall, 20 minute neighbourhood frameworks and Your Voice Your Town programme, which give residents more opportunities to shape decisions about their area.
What happens next?
The Thriving Towns Fund aims to support independent businesses, encourage more people to use their town centres, and help local businesses and communities to play a leading role in making positive changes.
Over the coming months, the council will work with residents, high street landlords, businesses, community organisations, and partners to better understand local priorities.
Currently, applications are open for businesses and business-related groups to apply for grants to deliver improvement projects. Businesses will be able to put forward projects to make their local high streets more welcoming and better connected. This could include improvements to nurture inclusive public spaces, projects to boost the local economy and celebrate local heritage and identity, or ideas that help create safer and more vibrant town centres throughout the day and into the evening.
The programme aims to give local people and businesses a direct role in deciding how funding is used and what improvements are made in their area.
To apply, visit the Ealing Council website.
‘Building pride in our neighbourhoods’
Council leader Peter Mason said: “Our high streets should be places where people can shop locally, meet others, support independent businesses, and feel proud of their neighbourhood. This funding will bring residents, businesses, community groups, and the council together to turn local ideas into practical improvements. By investing in the projects that matter most to local people, we can strengthen local economies and help our town centres thrive for years to come.”
Councillor Monica Hamidi, the council’s cabinet member for good growth said: “The Thriving Towns Fund is about giving local people the power to influence where they live, work, and spend time. Our high streets and town centres are at the heart of community life, which is why it’s important that residents, businesses, and anyone local to the borough help us to identify the changes that will have the greatest impact.
“This investment will help us deliver visible improvements, strengthen community connections, and build even greater pride in our neighbourhoods. I encourage everyone to get involved and share their ideas.”
Get involved
Do you have a project to improve your local high street? The Thriving Towns fund could help you turn your ideas into action.
The council wants to hear from a wide range of voices, including young people, older residents, and local groups, working in collaboration with local businesses to help your high street thrive.
To find out more about the programme, visit the Ealing Council website.
