Grants totalling £90,000 are available to encourage new businesses to start up in Sheffield’s Chapel Walk.

Business start-up grants of up to £10,000 are available through Sheffield City Council’s ReNew scheme.

The scheme aims to give a helping hand to new independent businesses offering grants to fit out vacant lots along Chapel Walk, a historic thoroughfare linking Faregate to Sheffield’s theatre quarter.

The grants come ahead of the renovation of Chapel Walk scheduled to be completed by May 2025.

Previous rounds of investment through the ReNew scheme have seen £183,000 allocated to starting businesses across Chapel Walk, Fargate and Orchard Square.

Chair of Transport, Regeneration and Climate Committee, Councillor Ben Miskell said: “Protecting and improving these spaces is essential to ensuring that Sheffield’s growth is rooted in what makes our city special.”

As well as pledging to use all of the Chapel Walks £90,000 funding pot toward the grants, Sheffield City Council have said they aim to increase footfall, lower vacancy rates and increase opportunities for the people of Sheffield.

Councillor Miskell said despite this recent ReNew scheme being exclusive to Chapel Walk, the city council are always looking for opportunities to expand support for local business.

Property Agent Paul Lancaster, who owns a number of vacant lots along Chapel Walk, said “Following significant restoration works to a number of properties on Chapel Walk and with Boots Opticians opening in the former Paperchase store, it certainly looks to be the right time to consider Chapel Walk as a location to open a new business or expand an existing business.”

Chapel Walk has been the subject of renovations for a number of years, with the council eager to restore its former reputation.

Councillor Miskell said: “By supporting these businesses, we’re backing local entrepreneurs, preserving diversity on our high streets, and strengthening Sheffield’s economy. For the people of Sheffield, a thriving Fargate and Chapel Walk means more choice, better experiences, and a city centre that feels welcoming, vibrant, and full of life.”

Grant applications for Chapel Walk are now open, expression of interest forms can be applied for by emailing renewsheffield@sheffield.gov.uk.

Applications close May 20, with the final shortlist of potential applicants released June 22.