Bristol Vacant  Shops

TownCentred ran the entire project from inception through to completion with multiple new shops opening in the area. 

An important element of the project was to present a more positive yet still realistic and honest perspective for East Street. Already an importnat corridor from South Bristol to the city centre, East Street enjoys heavy commuter traffic by bus, foot and car at most times of the day. Looking towards the future, over 2,000 new homes and student properties are being built or planned in the area, signalling a major increase in local demand for the right independent retailers and service providers to thrive in a successful and bustling revived centre. Neighbouring North Street, East Street is ideally set to extend Bedminster’s independent and original spirit, welcoming creative entrepreneurs to its incredible community. This was reality was projected in a new brochure 'East Street - Time to Take a Fresh Look' - see lilnk adjacent. Also see below for full case study.

Full Case Study

Issue/challenge

Shop vacancies are clearly a sad reality in most high streets in the UK and can quickly have a significant negative visible impact on neighbouring sections of the street, attractiveness, footfall and ultimately sales and business vitality. 

Strategy

The council sought to create a simple and accessible scheme in which small existing businesses or new businesses could apply for up to £10,000. An initial pilot in Bedminster was extended later to the whole city.  

Process

Summary extract from the initial application process:

How do I apply? Please see the separate application form which requires: · Proof of ownership/lease – if you do not own the property you will need to provide proof that you have permission from the owner to carry out the works · A business plan (we are flexible about the approach you use but brevity will be rewarded) · Any available visuals of what it will look like following the work · If your application is eligible and you have provided all the required documents you will be invited to a meeting with a representative from the panel to discuss your application · Successful applicants will receive an offer letter and grant agreement which must be signed and returned within 14 days from the date of offer, or the grant offer may be withdrawn. · In some instances, we will make a conditional or a grant award in principle prior to planning consent and will issue a formal grant offer letter as soon as permission is granted.

Structure

The initial grant scheme was run jointly by the council and the local BID with all final approvals controlled by the council, but with a local panel of businesses providing recommendations. Ini addition the council were able to integrate this scheme with other existing ongoing business and job creation projects to positive effect.

Resource

Ten successful grants and shop openings materialised despite the project launch coinciding with the first covid lockdown) at a total grant cost of £93,358. In addition the council agreed a management fee of £12,375 for the BID to run design, set up and and run the initial scheme (plus further marketing, accounting and contingency costs).

Communications

Simplicity of process and application was at the heart of this scheme to encourage businesses that may otherwise be discouraged by the perception of too much bureaucracy. This simple application form and guidance note was provided in a single web page promoted via social media and a series of webinars.

Impact

Ten new businesses opened from the pilot scheme providing an estimated 49 FTEs. The scheme was extended in 2021 and is current across the whole city.