LANDLORDS are to be offered up to £5,000 to help bring vacant shops in Nottingham back into business.
Nottingham City Council hopes a new grant scheme for empty units could boost occupancy rates.
It is now accepting applications for the cash, which can be used to carry out improvements to shop frontages, access, or interiors.
Councillor Nick McDonald, Nottingham City Council's portfolio holder for jobs, skills and business, said: "Our city centre is Nottingham's 'shop window' for investors, visitors and residents so it is vital that we tackle premises that have been vacant for some time.
"These new grants will help landlords make the improvements needed to support existing and start up businesses to move into vacant premises in the city and help create an environment in which they can flourish."
The money can go towards redecoration or changes to the layout of shops, or pay for the installation of new shop fronts and improving disabled access.
The scheme forms part of the council's City Centre Vacancy Action Plan.
Earlier this year, the Local Data Company claimed that shop vacancy rates in Nottingham were 26 per cent in 2012, down from 29.6 per cent in 2011.
The city council disputed the figures, saying the organisation had included shops outside the city centre, in places such as Alfreton Road and Mansfield Road.
The authority says a survey by Experian, showing vacancy rates in 2012 were actually at 18.2 per cent – up from 16 per cent in 2011 – uses more accurate boundaries.
Estate agent FHP is looking for tenants for around 50 vacant city centre units, including the former HMV store in Wheeler Gate and Tonic bar and restaurant, in Chapel Bar.
FHP director Ben Tebbutt said: "The grant scheme is a good idea. Anything that assists landlords is going to help. I've got clients in mind who I'll send the details to."
Of the health of Nottingham's retail sector, Mr Tebbutt added: "I think we are reasonably healthy. A higher degree of certainty over the Victoria and Broadmarsh Centres will help streets in their vicinities."
Neil Fincham, chairman of Nottingham BID's place management advisory group and manager of The Exchange shopping complex, said: "Any initiative that encourages higher occupancy levels of retail units in the city has to be welcomed.
"It should benefit both new and existing businesses and also improve the overall look and feel of the city centre."
The city council will provide property owners and landlords with up to 50 per cent of the costs of refurbishment, up to £5,000.
To apply for the scheme, download a form at www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/ vacant-shops-grant.
