Adur and Worthing’s empty shops to have a new life
Wed, 21 Apr 2010 13:02:40 BST
Some of Adur and Worthing’s empty shops will have a new life thanks to a successful bid for funding by Adur and Worthing councils from Coastal West Sussex Board. Shops in Lancing and the west end of Montague Street Worthing will be transformed into space for community group projects, supporting new business ideas and for local artists to showcase their work.
The money, £35,000, will buy portable equipment to set up the shops. Dan Thompson from the Empty Shops Network has been instrumental in promoting the move to make use of empty shops nationally and will manage the project for the two councils. He said:
"Like every town, Worthing and Lancing has empty shops and this funding will support our existing local traders by bringing life back to the high street, while we explore the creation of a whole new generation of creative businesses."
Worthing Council Cabinet member for regeneration, John Rogers said:
"This is a great way to use the empty shops we unfortunately have at the moment. We are giving community groups and artists a space which will create interest and give them the opportunity to showcase their talents or run projects which will add vibrancy to these areas."
Adur Council Cabinet member for health, safety and wellbeing, David Simmons said:
"This grant provides an excellent opportunity to showcase the vast amount of local talent in Adur and Worthing, and at the same time bring more people into the area to view the artwork on display, thereby providing more trading opportunities for other local businesses nearby."