PROJECT
TWO
COMMUNITY
SHOP
(For
small 'Start up Units' to share Occupancy)
This project two aims to bridge the gap between the opening
of a new retail shop and its development into a profitable,
viable business. We aim to create retail space which can
be shared in small units by new or emerging retail businesses.
Research
Aims & Recommendations impacting on the project.
-
Increase
the use of, and spend on, commercial services (including
shops, retail services like hairdressers/travel agents
and cafes/restaurants) in Billingshurst Village Centre
by catchment residents and users of non commercial
services in the town.
-
Increase
the number of recreational visitors who come to Billingshurst
and the surrounding villages, and their spending on
commercial services and also improve the use of Billingshurst
Village centre services by 'passing trade'.
-
Build
local loyalty and commitment to Billingshurst as a
thriving centre for services, both from residents,
traders and businesses
-
Support
local businesses to grow, source locally, and trade
with each other.
Actions:
These actions are based on the recommendation points in
Appendix 2 of the
'Sustainable
Service Provision Repor' as follows:
1
Target suitable quality, independent retailers elsewhere.
2
Investigate scope for a community-owned/rented shop offering
small sales space to local crafts people, etc.
3
Market Billingshurst Centre to catchment residents:
3.1 Retail directory, accessed from relevant websites,
available in shops and distributed to catchment residents.
3.2 PR/Information campaign with 'stories' to support
launch of above and promote centre strengths - local,
traditional service, high quality retailers.
3.3 PR Campaign to use local information channels (Parish
Magazines, Web Sites etc) as well as the local press.
3.4 Community shopping nights and promotions linked to
events.
3.5 Possible linked event with other market towns in the
area (for example through Five Towns Partnership).
Those
organisations addressing the above action points:
Estimated
Cost of Project:
£37,000
