The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, has announced the projects set to receive funding through the third and final phase of his Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund. 

Across the region, 26 further projects have been awarded funding to drive long term regeneration and strengthen the resilience of local high streets for years to come. 

Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David 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.  

“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. 

Funding has also been awarded to the Nidderdale Annual Events and Business Association Project, which will deliver a distinctive programme of year-round events and activities for Nidderdale, alongside the creation of a new Nidderdale Business Association. 

One spokesperson from the project said: 

“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this grant and would like to thank the mayor and his team for giving us this opportunity.  We know that Nidderdale is a great place to live, visit and work, and we want to work together throughout our whole area to put this grant award to work to improve our local economy. 

“The grant will help communities throughout Nidderdale, not just Pateley Bridge, and in so doing will help make Nidderdale a fabulous place to live and work, and a standout tourist destination.” 

Heart 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.  

Projects will now move forward to deliver improvements to local high streets, set to revitalise communities across the region and drive economic growth, enhancing their appeal to both residents and visitors. 

Visit: Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund Phase Three > York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority