Alongside our successful Vacant Shop Scheme, we also we launched a Pop Up Shop for a period of 12 months.
We worked with local businesses and offered them an opportunity to trial a physical store setup without overheads of a long-term lease. This gave smaller start-ups space to launch a new product, benefit from a seasonal space, and integrate into the community of Waterlooville. As part of the Regeneration of Waterlooville, a Pop Up Shop also made good use of empty premises and injected vitality back into the high street.
We wanted to encourage new uses and create a vibrant and animated atmosphere, including a wider mix of shops and facilities in the centre of our communities. We looked for independent traders, local artisans and producers (established businesses or testing the market), who wanted a trading opportunity. We welcomed applications for all types of products, including food, drink, clothing, antiques, collectables, toys, art, crafts, home furnishings and anything else that bought something different and unique to the high street.
The Pop Up Shop was tenanted on a short-term turnaround, giving traders enough time to trade but also offering the opportunity to 3 businesses over the 12 months: