Cash incentive to tackle empty shops in Waterlooville
Businesses can apply for up to £50k to help them move into the town centre
Efforts are being stepped up to tackle empty shops in Waterlooville.
Businesses can apply for up to £50,000 to help them move into the town centre.
Havant Borough Council says it wants a long-term solution to high vacancy rates and create a 'vibrant animated atmosphere'.
All retail, food and beverage, leisure, hospitality, arts and culture as well as professional services including health providers are being encouraged to express their interest in gaining grants for capital works to fit out vacant shops.
Councillor Alex Rennie, Leader of Havant Borough Council, said “As part of our ongoing commitment to work with local people and to help tackle the issues and additional pressures high streets face, we have a wide range of interventions for Waterlooville Town Centre.
“Societal trends and the economic recession have meant that many retail businesses based in the town centre are struggling, some retailers have closed down resulting in vacant units appearing.
“By making funds totalling £140,000 available to tackle these vacancy rates, the Vacant Shop Scheme will support commerce in returning to the town centre.”
Interventions including the installation of CCTV and free 30-minute parking have already been introduced, with more concepts planned for the town centre area, including addressing the visual appearance by creating a green space bringing together a unique experience for businesses, residents and shoppers.
Havant Borough Council’s aim is to encourage new uses to create a vibrant animated atmosphere, working closely with landowners, and businesses.
Open to start-up and expanding businesses, the funding is available to refit, repair and renovate premises within the Waterlooville Vacant Shop Scheme Zone.
An expression of interest form must be completed and returned before midnight on 10 September 2023. More information can be found here.