COUNCIL chiefs have dug deep to offer grants to local groups with fresh ideas on how to breathe new life into empty retail units.
The scheme, which is part of Worcester City Council’s Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan, will offer grants of up to £2,500 to bring the temporary occupation of an empty retail premise in the city centre to life.
Applicants will need to get permission from the retail unit’s landlord prior to application. The grant can be spent on equipment, machinery, building works, fixtures and fittings, electrical appliances and other similar one-off items required to occupy the vacant unit.
It can also cover marketing and promotion costs for the project. Only one grant is available per retail unit in any six-month period.
“This is an opportunity for local organisations to get creative and make the most of available retail space in a prime city centre location,” said Lucy Hodgson, chairman of the City Council’s Place and Economic Development Sub Committee.
“With the help of the grant you could try out a new business idea or use the space to promote an existing service or to stimulate footfall in the area.
“This is one of many steps we are taking to stimulate entrepreneurship, create new jobs and ensure the survival of businesses as Worcester starts to recover from the economic impact of COVID.”
Visit www.worcester.gov.uk/business/empty-retail-units-grant for more.
