Young people handed keys to high street

An initiative to get the North East’s young people to inject entrepreneurialism into rundown high streets, has launched.

‘somewhereto_re:store’ has begun as a take over of six disused shops spaces, where young people are given the opportunity to run businesses.

The £7m Big Lottery funded campaign is a national initiative, and is run by the Regional Youth Work Unit in the North East, a Gateshead charity that works across the region.

The somewhereto_ re:store ‘crew’ of eight young people from across the North East will be running the shop and Sara Jackson, 19, a member of the crew says: “This is such a fantastic opportunity for young people to get out there this summer and bring the high street back to life with lots of creative and exciting activities. We’re particularly looking forward to the launch event which promises to be an inspiring mix of talent.”

Andrew Parker from The Big Lottery Fund said: “somewhereto_ re:store is the perfect opportunity for young people to bring their unique ideas to life and let the public see what they are capable of and bring their energy onto the high street.”

Sean Bullick, CEO NE1 Ltd, said: “The synergies between NE1’s Space2… and the somewhereto_ re:store project are clear and we are delighted to be able to work together over the summer.”

somewhereto_re:store is encouraging people to donate space, equipment, kit and time to the project.

For more information visit www.somewhereto.com/restore.

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