· Community Hubs – showcase empty high street shop
· Market makers – starting with Girton Road car park
· Shop Revolution
Minutes:
Cllr Best told the assembly that Sydenham, Forest Hill and Kirkdale are one of 27 areas that will become Portas Pilots There were 400 applications for this funding so this is a wonderful achievement. We will be receiving £80,000, but this will be match-funded from the council meaning that there will around £200,000 for the area and we want you to be part of it.
Community Hubs - Louise Brooks told the Assembly that the two community hubs are the brainchild of Ed Holloway Jack & Jill is the name we have given to two community hubs; one in Sydenham and the other in Forest Hill. We are looking for two high street shops which we can renovate and use for several months under a meanwhile lease. This will enable the landlord to keep looking for a tenant while we use the space.
Jack & Jill will be used to engage the community through exhibitions by local artists, showcasing local products and short term ‘pop-up’ events. They will also be used as a base for the Town Team who will run business workshops aimed at helping existing traders to improve their skills.
Shop Revolution - The Shop Revolution aims to facilitate meanwhile use for empty shops, develop pop up shop opportunities and act as a springboard for new businesses looking to trial their business idea on a high street. We are currently focussing on Forest Hill, Kirkdale Village and Sydenham.
The aim is to renovate up to 12 empty shops for a pop up project which will generate a buzz in each of the town centres, and stimulate long term demand for retail properties. At the moment our town centres suffer from a perceived lack of destinations. This pop up project will give people a reason to visit the high streets and give existing traders a chance to advertise their offerings to a new audience.
There will be a calendar of events to support the aim which is to layer what is happening in the shops for example arts workshops.
Market Makers – Richard Hibbert told the Assembly that this will build on the lessons from Forest Hill Food Fair and the pilot community car boot sale in Girton Road car park to rotate an offer of similar markets between the three areas and encourage greater use of the public and private space. By running markets in each of the town centres, we will be able to test the needs of each community and provide entrepreneurs the opportunity to test demand for their offering and develop their business plan before committing to a long term lease as part of The Shop Revolution. Existing traders will be encouraged to benefit from the increased footfall of a successful market and to run special offers on Market Day. The markets will increase football and create some vibrancy. At present we are looking for stall holders, business mentors, market operators and publicity.
Q Many of these empty shops are being replaced by charity shops, wouldn’t this mean more?
A Not at all, there are lots of people with a business idea that need help, the idea is that we get a good mix in the high street.
Q What is the timescale for this?
AA year’s timescale from funding. We will shortly be advertising for 4 paid posts, Town Team Coordinator, Creative Engagement Worker, Market Support Officer and someone to coordinate Shop Revolution.
Q Can a shop be used for training purposes?
A There will be training facilities, we are currently talking to Sydenham and Forest Hill Youth Forum about a scheme to run a pop-up and market involvement.
Q Why are there so many empty shops?
A Lots of reasons, the power of the Supermarkets and of course the recession, but the Sydenham vacancy rate is less than 10% with many shops under offer. There is also the issue of rent levels with many landlords keeping the levels the same such as at 60 Sydenham Road.
Q Is there any veto regarding the type of shop that can open?
A There will be an application process and this will be developed, we want to be as transparent as possible.
Q Will all this affect Bell Green?
A Up to you, it is you who decides where to shop ie small independents or the big shops.
Q How much does it cost to run a market stall?
A At the Forest Hill Food fair it is £35 or £40 if you don’t have a stall as we will supply a table and gazebo.
Q How will the works in Sydenham Road affect this?
A This is a pilot, we will look at all the projects after the pilot, but this will raise our profile and help us to bid for more funds.
Q How can I open an interesting shop that is not high profit with such high rents?
A Maybe through layering