Liverpool council to boost business with Shops for a Pound project

Authorities in Liverpool are seeking to boost enterprise in the city by transforming empty retail units into viable businesses.

The new Shops for a Pound project, a variation on Liverpool City Council’s Homes for a Pound initiative, will see 12 vacant units along Smithdown Road and Earle Road made available to prospective entrepreneurs at a cost of £1 per week for up to three years

Those who are successful would have to undertake repairs and refurbishment works, and must demonstrate that they have finance in place. The businesses must also operate from the refitted units.

After the three-year period has expired, the council has confirmed that commercial rates will apply.

Cllr. Ann O’Byrne, the city’s Deputy Mayor, said: “We are giving people with a passion and commitment to the area the chance to create a new business and be part of the hugely exciting grassroots regeneration of Picton.

“Work is going to be starting imminently on refurbishing the first properties as part of the Homes for a Pound Plus scheme, while the recent completion of the Archbishop Blanch School has given the area a tremendous boost.”

She added: “This is a hugely exciting time for Picton and I believe we are on the cusp of a real upturn in its fortunes driven by the community, supported by the city council.”

Proposals must be for new, commercial businesses and must not compete with existing companies in the area, according to the council, which also said that fast food takeaways, off licences, pubs, payday loan shops and gambling establishments will not be considered.

Cllr Gary Millar, the city council’s Cabinet member for business, enterprise and investment, commented: “Shops and businesses are a vital and integral part of a successful local community.

“This is about giving people with great ideas and a solid business plan the chance to get their venture off the ground without having to worry about rental costs in the first three years.”

He continued: “We don’t want to disadvantage existing local businesses so the ideas can’t duplicate what’s already on offer and we don’t want more shops selling services linked to fast food, gambling, payday loans, alcohol or tanning.”