Southend Victoria Shopping Centre business initiative launch

Southend Council and the management team at the Victoria Shopping Centre have partnered with SaveTheHighStreet.org to transform six shops on the first floor and bring in new businesses.

The scheme is looking for businesses eager to scale up, or start-ups bursting with promise, to bring a “unique touch” to the High Street shopping centre.

The winning participants will be given a six-month rent-free period in one of the shops that have stood empty for several years.

Victoria Shopping Centre (Image: Southend Council)

Thanks to a grant of more than £500,000, the shops are being revamped ahead of the new businesses moving in.

Matt Dent, councillor responsible for business, culture, and tourism, said: “I think this is a fantastic initiative to work with entrepreneurs, or start-ups, and give them a hand.

“It is one of the great advantages we have of owning The Victoria Shopping Centre, as we can run things like this.

“We really want to encourage people with new ideas and new businesses to take that risk and go out there and try and make it work.

“There has been a transformation of the Victoria Shopping Centre in recent year, it has been filling up fairly nicely, and there is a proper mix of different businesses.

“This initiative is another great way of achieving that aim and continuing its transformation.”

The scheme is designed to “empower new ventures, build resilient businesses, and continue the growth of the shopping centre”.

The council has been awarded £579,000 through the Getting Building Fund to refurbish the six shops.

Daniel Cowan, leader of Southend Council, added; “This is fantastic news for the centre as it fills up vacant units whilst helping starts up and new ventures to grow their businesses.

“We hope this initiative will serve as a launch pad for local businesses to realise their potential and create future opportunities for the economy.”

To apply, visit survey.alchemer.com/s3/7943715/The-Bridge-at-Victoria-Centre-Southend