Havant Borough Council is launching its Vacant Shop scheme in Leigh Park shopping precinct to enhance the offer to shoppers in the area.
Open to newly established businesses, wishing to set up within existing retail units or those thinking of relocating or expanding from outside the area, the scheme has the potential to fill up to 10 vacant units currently in the precinct.
Grants range from £1,000 to a maximum of £50,000, depending on the size of unit and can be used for capital enhancements, shop fitout costs or equipment.
Havant Borough Council is funding the scheme to invite traders who can provide retail, leisure, hospitality, health or arts and culture into the precinct area.
Councillor Alex Rennie, Leader of Havant Borough Council said, “We are aware of the impact empty units have on our high streets and are supporting local businesses to move into the area and add to the existing shopping and service options.
“The vacant shop scheme will help small businesses to fill empty shops and commercial units in the Leigh Park precinct, attracting more visitors and improving the vibrancy of the area.”
Applications can be made by business owners or directors of registered independent businesses, charities or social enterprises, or sole traders or self-employed individuals, who are bringing a new business to the precinct or relocating or expanding into to the Greywell Shopping Precinct or Park Parade.
Our Corporate Strategy outlines three themes of wellbeing, pride in place and growth. Our growth theme is centred on building a better future by growing our local economy and we aim to do this by enabling and facilitating regeneration in our borough. This vacant shop scheme will help us to deliver this by helping to bring about improvements to our town centres.
For more information on the Vacant Shop scheme and to apply, please visit www.havant.gov.uk/regeneration-and-business