A £10 million fund has been launched to revive empty shops across the West Midlands, with the region's mayor saying it will "bring boarded-up shops back into use" and create new food venues.
Mayor's pledge to go further
Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, welcomed the move as a "step forward" but pledged to go further with the new multi-million pound initiative. He said "taking back control" of high streets is "only half the job", adding: "We also need the investment to fill it with something better."
Mr Parker continued: "That's what this £10 million is for. It will bring boarded-up shops back into use, get new market stalls and street food venues onto our high streets, and back the businesses that give people a reason to visit, not just pass through.
"I want high streets that are clean, safe and bursting with life from morning to night. Government is giving councils the powers to clean them up. We're giving them the investment to build something better in their place."
Support for struggling businesses
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) said the plan is set to support hundreds of high street businesses "struggling to compete" with the rise in online shopping. Several town and city centre locations, which have not been announced, will initially share the £10 million investment.
The WMCA said the cash injection aims to reduce the region's shop vacancy rate which is among the highest in the country. The money is also set to be used to improve "tired" public spaces and see more events hosted.
Complementing existing projects
Mr Parker said the programme would complement existing regeneration projects already underway in places such as Coventry, Wolverhampton and Solihull.
The announcement came as Prime Minister Andy Burnham vowed to save "hollowed out" high streets and give councils more powers to block new betting and vape shops. The PM is planning on scrapping the so-called "aim to permit" rule — which limits the ability of local authorities to prevent betting shops and 24-hour slot machine venues opening in their area — and require vape shops to receive planning permission.
Mr Burnham said the aim of the crackdown is to improve high streets and give local people "a real say" over what opens in their town centres.
