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Shops for a Pound
applications open
ENTREPRENEURS are being invited to
transform vacant retail units into viable businesses in an innovative new:-
'Shops for a Pound' initiative launched by Liverpool City Council.
This gives new meaning to the well known saying... Pound Shops!
The scheme; a variation on the City's hugely popular Homes for a Pound
project; will see 12 empty units on Smithdown Road and Earle Road in Picton
made available at a cost of £1 per week for up to 3 years.
Successful applicants will have to carry out repairs and refurbishment
themselves and must have finance in place. They will have to operate their
business from the refitted unit. Commercial rates will apply after the 3
year period has expired.
Each proposal must be for a new, commercial business and cannot compete with
an existing business in the neighbourhood. Gambling establishments, fast
food takeaways, tanning salons, off licences / pubs and pay day loan shops
will not be permitted, but bids for community cafes and healthy takeaways
will be considered.
It is part of a wider regeneration plan which is seeing 150 vacant houses in
the vicinity being offered to people for £1 on condition that they are
brought up to Decent Homes Standard within a year and aren't sold or sub-let
within five years.
Deputy Mayor, Councillor Ann O'Byrne, said:- "We are giving people
with a passion and commitment to the area the chance to create a new
business and be part of the hugely exciting grassroots regeneration of Picton.
Work is going to be starting imminently on refurbishing the first properties
as part of the Homes for a Pound Plus scheme, while the recent completion of
the Archbishop Blanch School has given the area a tremendous boost.
This is a hugely exciting time for Picton and I believe we are on the cusp
of a real upturn in its fortunes driven by the community, supported by the
City Council."
Expressions of interest for Shops for a Pound can only be made
online and the closing date is
Monday, 9 May 2016.
Councillor Gary Millar, Cabinet member for business, enterprise and
investment, said:- "Shops and businesses are a vital and integral part
of a successful local community.
This is about giving people with great ideas and a solid business plan the
chance to get their venture off the ground without having to worry about
rental costs in the first three years.
We don't want to disadvantage existing local businesses so the ideas can't
duplicate what's already on offer and we don't want more shops selling
services linked to fast food, gambling, pay day loans, alcohol or tanning."
The move has been backed by Picton ward councillors Tim Beaumont, Nathalie
Nicholas and Abdul Qadir, who said:- "This is great news and will
provide a boost for the new neighbourhood being created through the Homes
for a Pound Plus scheme.
We want to give as many local entrepreneurs the opportunity to make a
valuable contribution to the area."
Applicants that meet the criteria will be asked to provide further
information as part of a due diligence process. Preference will be given to
those business plans with the greatest chance of long term success and
sustainability.
Drop in clinics for people wanting business advice hosted by Councillor Gary
Millar are held at the Business and IP Centre, at Liverpool Central Library,
from 1pm to 4pm, every Thursday.
Business advice can also be sought from the Liverpool City Region Local
Enterprise Partnership, who can be contacted via the Local Growth
Hub. People wanting to know more about the scheme should
send an
email. |
