Worthing is typical of many formally vibrant town centres that are suffering in this recession. But the Empty Shops Network aims to do something about that:
In February 2009, it’s estimated that about 10% of the UKs shops are sitting empty and the figure is rising to one in six shops by the end of the year, with over 1000 high street businesses closing every week. Landlords letting artists, arts organisations and community groups use their empty spaces see the property looking great and kept in good order, and their business getting some great publicity.
Existing local traders benefit from a revived town centre, with more visitors and a brighter environment.
The users benefit from low-cost space on short and easy-to-manage leases, meaning they can take a bigger risk on bolder, more innovative and experimental projects. And the chance to get a good business kick-started.
Meaning local communities benefit from a better high street. And seeing their town being brought back to life will visit, spend locally and maybe stop other businesses from closing too.
One of the largest empty spaces in Worthing was the former Allied Carpets showroom. But for December this has been transformed into the UpMarket. A charity market hosting a a range of events take place. Including the Revolutionary Arts Group annual Christmas Art Fair, a record swap shop, a meeting of Worthing’s Twitter community and Shiatsu.
I have contributed time to the market twice now. Once on Wednesday 25th November for a busy morning of chair shiatsu treatment. And again this Saturday 5th December for a whole day of shiatsu. All treatments were free but donations to the Worthing Lions were encouraged.
Thanks to Dan Thompson and Richard Vobes for inviting me down to the Empty Shops project. I had a great time and very happy to support this venture. I wish them all the luck in bringing unloved shops and town centres back to life.
