Measures to help communities combat high street decline could see empty high street shops being converted into social enterprises, local art displays and learning centres.
New provisions such as special planning application wavers, standard interim-use leases, and temporarily leasing shops to councils will allow empty shops to get makeovers for use as cultural, community or learning services.
Along with the new measures the Government is also announcing up to £3 million to help communities find innovative and creative uses for empty shops to reduce the negative impact they have on the high street which is vital for town centre and business confidence.
The new measures could also present an opportunity for business start-ups. In 1981, international cosmetics company Neal’s Yard Remedies was started in a disused warehouse in Covent Garden. Permitting farmers markets and craft exhibitions can also stimulate enterprise.
Looking after our Town Centres is a practical guide recently published by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), the Department for Innovation Universities and Skills (DIUS) and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) which identifies the best ways and steps communities can take to keep town centres thriving.
The guide outlines how the Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI) fund has helped stimulate enterprise in deprived communities by using high streets as focal points to provide business support and help revive town centres. An example of such activity is Hastings town centre where LEGI funded a media centre which provides affordable serviced incubator space for multimedia start-up companies and self-employed people.
The guide proposes utilising empty shops for learning opportunities and outlines potential uses which include:
• financial capability sessions close to high street financial services
• taster sessions to support progression towards skills, qualifications and employment
It is acknowledged within the guide that funding can often inhibit plans to bring a vacant shop back into temporary use. It is anticipated that a fund will be established to provide small-scale grants to help with cleaning and decorating vacant premises, basic refit for temporary uses, publicity posters, and other activities that can help town centres attract and retain visitors. Consideration is being given as to how this fund might best be set up and managed.
To download Looking after our Town Centres visit: http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/1201258.pdf