Rochdale Visitor Attraction and Venues Improvement Scheme

Posted by on 16 Jan 2025

Overview: The Rochdale Visitor Attraction and Venues Improvement Scheme (RVAVIS) has been designed to support the revitalisation and enhancement of local visitor attractions and venues within the Borough of Rochdale. This small grant scheme provides match funding of up to £6,000 to help improve the quality and offer of these attractions and venues.

Objectives: By providing financial support for upgrades, improvements and to develop new experiences, the scheme will contribute to the growth of Rochdale’s Visitor Economy, attracting more visitors and footfall into our town centres, and enhancing the overall cultural vibrancy of the community.

Eligibility: To apply for a grant, the following criteria must be met:

1. Business Type: Visitor attractions, tourist sites, cultural, historical and leisure venues (including music venues, theatres and performance spaces) and must be a registered business or not-for-profit organisation within Rochdale.

2. Location: The venue must be situated within the borough of Rochdale.

3. Financial Stability: Applicants must demonstrate that their venue is financially stable and sustainable with a clear plan for how the improvements will generate long-term benefits.

4. Match Funding Requirement: Applicants must demonstrate at least 50% of the total cost of the project is being funded from their own resources (or other sources of funding). For example, if the total project cost is £12,000, the applicant must contribute at least £6,000, and the RVAVIS grant would cover the remaining £6,000.

5. Commitment to Local Economy: Preference will be given to businesses that demonstrate a commitment to improving the local economy, creating jobs, and attracting more visitors to Rochdale.

6. Eligible Projects: The grant must be used for a wide range of improvements that enhance the venues’ ability to attract visitors which may include but is not limited to:

      • Upgrades to visitor facilities: Improvements to physical infrastructure, such as upgrading signage, sounds and lighting and equipment purchases e.g. lighting rigs, PA systems, amplifiers, speakers, acoustic treatments or sound proofing, seating areas, staging for events etc.

      • Creation and programming of events, exhibitions, or seasonal activities designed to attract more visitors and to help promote diversity in art forms creating opportunities for local musicians and emerging artists.

      • Funding for marketing campaigns or promotional activities aimed at increasing footfall to the attraction, including digital upgrades e.g. social media engagement tools, brochures, website development and online ticketing systems.

      • Development of educational or interpretive resources that enhance the visitor experience, such as exhibits, guides or workshops.

Ineligible Costs:
    • Ongoing operational costs (e.g. wages, utilities, routine maintenance etc.)
    • Costs incurred prior to the grant approval e.g. projects that are already underway or completed prior to application.
    • Activities that do not directly relate to visitor attractions or venues.
    • Any expenditure not directly related to the proposed project.

Application Process:

How to Apply:
Applicants must complete an online application form detailing the proposed project, and provide a detailed project plan, including: 
    • A breakdown of estimated costs
    • Photographs or diagrams of the current visitor attraction or venue and proposed improvements.
    • Timeline for project completion.
    • Evidence of match funding (e.g. bank statements, other funding approvals).
    • Expected outcomes to how how the improvements align with the aims of the scheme.

Decision and Grant Award:
Applications will be reviewed by an assessment panel consisting of representatives of the Rochdale Development Agency and Rochdale Borough Council.
Applicants will be notified of the outcome within [2 weeks of the application deadline date]. A formal grant agreement will be signed by the applicant, outlining the terms and conditions of the funding.

Payment and Monitoring:
      • Successful: 50% of the grant upon approval and signing of the grant agreement.
      • Final Payment: 50% upon completion of the project and submission of a final report, including evidence of expenditure and photographic documentation of the completed work.
      • Successful applicants must agree to a monitoring visit and may be required to submit a brief report on the impact of the improvements.

Evaluation Criteria:
      • Project Impact: How the proposed improvements will enhance the venue and contribute to the local community, economy, and environment.
      • Value for Money: The cost-effectiveness of the project in relation to the improvements being made.
      • Business Viability: The applicant’s ability to complete the project and manage the venue post-improvement.

Key Dates:
      • Deadline for Full Applications, with a copy of your bank statement and most recent set of accounts: [31st January 2025]
      • Review and shortlisting of Applications: [4th February 2025]
      • Grant Decisions Announced: [w/e 7th February 2025]
      • Project Completion Deadline: [2nd March 2025]

Contact Information: For more details and where to submit your application, please contact:

Andrew Bradwell (Rochdale Visitor Attraction and Venues Improvement Grant Scheme Co-ordinator)
Email: Andrew.Bradwell@Rochdale.Gov.UK
Tel: 01706 925605
Website: www.rochdale.gov.uk

Note: All applications will be assessed on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to projects that have the greatest potential to make a positive impact on the local visitor economy and community. It is also your responsibility to ensure that your venue has the appropriate Planning Permission/Advertising Consent/Building Regulations Consent to undertake the work you are proposing as part of this grant scheme.