Gravesham Borough Council’s plans to refurbish Gravesend’s historic market will go ahead thanks to a Big Lottery grant of £1.8m announced today (Monday 26 January).
The grant is from the Coastal Communities Fund. It will enable the council to carry out massive improvements to the charter market which was first granted a charter in 1268.
Gravesham Borough Council’s leader Cllr John Burden said:
“It is very good news that the merit of the council’s initiative to refurbish one of the oldest charter markets in England has been recognised with this award. The council will now be able to progress our plans to rejuvenate and transform the market so it can once again take its place at the very heart of this riverside heritage town.”
The grant of £1.8 million to refurbish and revitalise Gravesend’s Borough Charter Market to transform it into a thriving retail centre and creative hub and will benefit local businesses and create 35 jobs.
Making the announcements of today’s grants, Coastal Communities Minister Penny Mordaunt said:
“These fantastic projects demonstrate the creativity, enterprise and passion needed to help seaside towns become year round destinations that people are proud to live and work in.”
The Coastal Communities Fund was created in 2012 to invest in coastal towns to help them achieve their economic potential, reduce unemployment and create new opportunities for young people in their local area. Gravesham Borough Council applied for this lottery funding after commissioning the plans last year.