Croydon Council launches pop-up shop programme
The first shop in Croydon Council’s pop-up programme has opened in Croydon town centre following funding from the Mayor of London.
Ex Chain Store Outlet has opened at 81 Church Street, formerly the Army Surplus store, which has been empty for more than a year.
The pop-up shop programme is part of the council’s retail support scheme, which is funded by the Mayor of London’s Regeneration Fund. The Mayor granted Croydon £23 million to drive growth and create jobs in the area, with £7 million specifically dedicated to strengthening Croydon’s high street.
Next month, the pop-up shop programme will move to larger, currently empty premises at 86-88 Church Street, where it will accommodate up to five businesses at a time.
Never Miss a Retail Update!The pop-up shop space will be made available to other local business entrepreneurs and community organisations to submit applications to use.
To help tenants get started, they will not be required to pay business rates and utility costs while occupying the premises.
Councillor Vidhi Mohan, cabinet member for communities and economic development, said: “Clearly an occupied shop is far more attractive than a boarded up empty unit.
“This programme is a great way of restoring that empty space, increasing the number of visitors to the high street and boosting business.
“Pop up shops have already proven popular elsewhere, and we are excited about trying this brilliant idea here in Croydon.”
Shop owner Nisar Ahmed said: “I’m really delighted to have this opportunity to try and expand my business.
“By selling reduced price clothing, I believe we’re offering something unique which the high street does not have at present.
“The pop-up shop will increase the number of shoppers in the area and benefit neighbouring businesses.”
Croydon Council has pledged to run the the pop-up tenancies until March 2015.