Sherburn in Elmet Town Council is delighted to announce that it has successfully secured £41,976 from the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (Y&NYCA)’s Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund.
The grant will support an ambitious new project to deliver a year-round programme of events and markets at the heart of the High Street, helping to bring more people into the town centre, support local businesses and create new opportunities for community activity.
With feedback from residents and businesses highlighting a desire for more events as well as the need for greater footfall and a stronger sense of activity in the town centre, the funding will support the establishment of a flexible market square that can host regular markets and seasonal events throughout the year. These will include larger events at key times such as Easter and Christmas, alongside a monthly market.
Importantly, the project has been developed as a partnership between the Town Council, local businesses, community organisations, the Elmete Social Club and NY Councillor Bob Packham. This collaborative approach will ensure that activities reflect local priorities and build long-term momentum beyond the initial funding period.
The funding will also facilitate improvements to the look and feel of the High Street with upgrades to planters and signage, helping to create a stronger sense of place and a more inviting environment for residents and visitors alike.
Despite significant population growth in recent years, there is limited space for new businesses beyond those of a scale suitable for the industrial estate, and few opportunities to expand the existing retail offer. We’re excited that the project will create opportunities for small and emerging traders to test new ideas locally. Evidence shows that thriving markets can play a vital role in increasing footfall and supporting wider town centre economies, alongside the environmental benefits from shopping locally.
We want our High Street to be a welcoming and accessible place for all. A core element to achieve this is the Accessible Sherburn scheme, which we will continue to promote alongside community partners as part of the project activity.
Chair of Sherburn in Elmet Town Council, Cllr Peter Baumann, said:
“We’re absolutely delighted to have secured this funding for Sherburn in Elmet. This project is about putting the heart back into our High Street, creating a space where people come together, supporting our fantastic local businesses, and giving residents more reasons to spend time in the town centre with exciting new events and a regular local market.
This has been a real partnership effort, and I’d like to express a huge thank you to the Y&NYCA for supporting the project, and to all of the businesses, community group representatives and local councillors involved, without whom the bid would not have been possible. We’re looking forward to getting started and delivering something that the whole community can enjoy.”
Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, added:
“High streets are constantly changing, but they have, and always will be, hubs for our communities. The final phase of the High Street Fund is backing 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.”
Work on the project is expected to begin in 2026, with the first High Street events planned later in the year.