The first four tenants have signed on the dotted line and will move into the Pop Up the High Street shop in Torquay, which opens on Saturday 29 August.
These are the first of many local businesses who can take advantage of what the Pop Up shop offers in a prime Torbay location and include: Mytakeonpretty, hand painted glass products; Fine & Dandy, handmade soft furnishings; TQView, handmade photography on canvas; and Stroppymoo, an innovative money saving device for razor blades.
Torbay’s Mayor, Gordon Oliver, said: “This brand new retail concept for Torbay is gathering real momentum as local businesses take up this exciting opportunity to experience retail in a great location. The funding that supports this project enables businesses to enjoy life on the high street at a fraction of the cost, which will both lift the local economy and help revitalise our town centres. This goes hand in hand with a number of other initiatives we are working hard on to regenerate Torbay.”
Richard Haddock, Torbay Council’s Executive Lead for Business, said: “I am very pleased that these new initiatives are being implemented and we are doing everything we can to get local businesses on the foot of the ladder. Starting good quality businesses in Torbay will help improve our town centres and develop the high street, a key part of our plans.”
The project is aimed at new businesses or those without a physical presence on the high street that would like the chance to experience what it takes to become a successful retailer.
The Coastal Communities Funded project, which is being delivered by TDA, has two elements. It will support the development of the high street through a Pop Up shop and provide business support direct to existing independent retailers across Torbay.
Liz Edwards, TDA Business Advisor, said: “Pop Up shops have taken towns and cities by storm and it is great that Torbay is part of this. Our aim is for the Pop Up the High Street to play its part in helping businesses in Torbay grow by providing them with a retail space to showcase their products and free business support throughout their tenancy. Businesses can try out the shop for between 2-6 weeks, all for just £30 a week.”
Kasia Boadle of Mytakeonpretty, one of the tenants on opening day, said: “I think from a small business perspective Pop Up the High Street is an opportunity not to be missed. I will be able to promote my products to everyday customers, increase my network and gain invaluable experience in the retail industry. All this at the fraction of the price you’d need to invest in a similar venture on your own.”
All of the new tenants applied via the Pop Up the High Street website and completed the short application form, an easy way to be part of this retail concept.
Please visit www.popupthehighstreet.org where you can find application guidance and apply online. For more information about the project email liz.edwards@tedcltd.com or call 07771 974565.
Follow @PopUptheHighSt on twitter for regular pictures and updates.
