Richmond’s cinema is one of the latest recipients of a grant to help businesses through the coronavirus pandemic.
The Station Cinema received £25,000 from the district council’s discretionary grant scheme which looks to help counteract losses suffered as a result of the crisis.
It is one of 11 businesses to receive the maximum award – two building contractors, six hotels and two charities are also on the list.
Another 65 businesses have received smaller awards as part of the £635,000 awarded by the district council so far.
“This grant is a real lifesaver for the cinema,” said managing director of the cinema, Rob Younger.
“It was touch and go as to whether we would reopen again but this grant has given us the incentive to get ready to welcome customers again.
“When we reopen we will be running at just 25 per cent capacity so it gives us the cushion to be able to afford to do that.
“Until this grant came along we didn’t qualify for any help so we are very grateful for the support of the district council in allocating us £25,000.”
The council received £1.1 million from central government for this grant scheme – which is on top of the £24 million it has already allocated under the small business and retail, hospitality and leisure grant schemes.
Officers are still assessing the remaining application forms and where extra information is needed is requesting that from business owners.
All applications must include proof of loss of income and evidence of fixed buildings related costs.
The Richmondshire District Council run scheme is aimed at businesses that were trading on March 11, 2020, have high ongoing fixed building related costs, and that can demonstrate they have suffered significant losses as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
They will not have been eligible for previous grants.
Around 70 organisations believed to be eligible under the small business grant / retail, hospital and leisure scheme, but that haven’t applied are also being urged to get in touch with the council – these grants are available for businesses already eligible for small business rate relief / rural rate relief or the extended retail discount.
