The Recovery Hub is ready to open its doors thanks to Havant Borough Council’s transformative Vacant Shop Scheme grant.
Seeking to encourage more footfall into Greywell Shopping Centre and Park Parade in Leigh Park, the Vacant Shop Scheme invited businesses and organisations who were thinking of relocating or expanding to apply for the grant.
The Mayor of Havant, Councillor, Munazza Faiz, cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of The Recovery Hub in the Greywell Shopping Centre on Tuesday 17 June.
The Recovery Hub is a juice bar and café offering fresh juices, healthy food, and hot and cold drinks.
Sean O’Carroll, owner of The Recovery Hub, said: “We are so grateful to Havant Borough Council for the amazing opportunity to expand our business, and we look forward to welcoming new customers.
“We understand the importance of staying healthy and want to encourage people to be conscious of the food and drink they consume. We are so excited to be able to bring a healthy café to Leigh Park for the benefit of local residents and anyone visiting the area.”
Councillor Gillian Harris, Cabinet Lead for Regeneration and Communities, said: “By transforming empty retail spaces and giving businesses a chance to thrive, the Vacant Shop Scheme is helping to breathe life back into our shopping centres and support local businesses.
“We are delighted to be a part of this impactful initiative and wish The Recovery Hub all the best and success in their future endeavours.”
Havant Borough Council's Corporate Strategy outlines three themes of wellbeing, pride in place, and growth. The growth theme is centred on building a better future by growing our local economy and aims to do this by enabling and facilitating regeneration in our borough. The Vacant Shop Scheme helps to deliver this by helping to bring about improvements to our town centres.
Grants range from £1,000 to a maximum of £50,000, depending on the size of the unit, and can be used for capital enhancements, shop fitout costs, or equipment. The council is keen to hear from more entrepreneurs who would like to establish a business in Leigh Park.
For more information on the Vacant Shop Scheme, and to apply, please visit: www.havant.gov.uk/regeneration-and-business