For collaborating retailers, entrepreneurs, and municipalities who want to improve their shopping and center areas together, the province of South Holland makes subsidies available. The focus is on improving and enhancing the quality and functioning of shopping and center areas. In this way, the province aims to help strengthen shopping and center areas, make them more compact, and combat vacancy.
The scheme is open from April 1 to December 31, 2025, for all regular shopping and center areas in South Holland. Shopping and center areas receiving subsidies must have a minimum of 5 stores.
From Mutual Cooperation to Research and Implementation of Projects
Municipalities, retailer and entrepreneur associations, and foundations can apply for subsidies for activities aimed at improving mutual cooperation between parties within shopping and center areas and conducting preliminary research for establishing or extending a Business Investment Zone (BIZ). Also visit: Retail, subsidy scheme South Holland.
Additionally, subsidies can be requested for planning projects. These are (research) projects aimed at the spatial quality and functioning of shopping and center areas. For example, making a shopping area more compact, optimizing shopping routes, or improving accessibility and parking options.
Subsidies can also be requested for implementation projects. These are projects that lead to the execution of planning projects, such as the costs of a transformation manager to make a center area more compact, relocate retail, or stimulate transformations to
other functions.
Changes to the Subsidy Scheme
The subsidy scheme planning retail has been modified in several respects compared to previous years. From now on, more organizations (such as entrepreneur funds) can apply for subsidies, and several new topics have been added, for example, in the area of greening or creating a retail structure vision.
A total of € 350,000 is available, with the rule: first come, first served.
The Power of Shops for Vital, Strong, and Attractive Centers
The province of South Holland believes it is important that the power of shops for vital, strong, and attractive urban and village centers is optimally utilized. Retail is also important because one in eight residents of South Holland earns their living in retail. As a province, we therefore consider it of great importance that retail functions well and sustainably in the long term. All the instruments we use for this can be found on the page Retail.