LAST year the Post reported that £100,000 was to be pumped into blitzing the problem of empty shops in the city. Now it's grown to £230,000, this is how the money has been carved up:
£110,000 – Vacant shops grants scheme. Launched in June, this provides an incentive to encourage landlords to let vacant properties. The grant scheme will provide up to £5,000 contribution to support improvements to premises shop fronts of vacant units. The landlord will need to match the fund grant by 50 per cent and provide evidence the unit will be let following the works.
£30,000 – Business mentoring programme. Launching on July 19, the aim of this project is to develop a business support package (which includes mentoring) for new and existing high street businesses. It will aim to support 30 trading businesses to grow and 20 start-ups over a 12-month period.
£30,000 – Inspiring retail. Also launching on July 19, this will be a competition for business start-ups and businesses hoping to expand. It will also bring in investment from private sector.
£10,000 – Derby Road. The Derby Road area of the city was initially chosen as a pilot project due to its high number of vacancies.
£4,000 – Wheeler Gate vacant shops review. A number of large units are vacant on Wheeler Gate, in particular the old HMV which left in January 2011.
£20,000 - Wider city centre review. A closer look at look at vacancy "hot spots.
£16,000 – Hot spots project fund. A pot of money to address immediate issues such as building cleaning and operational issues.
£10,000 – Independent retail network. The plan for this is still in development stage.