MORE than 200 businesses are preparing to battle to win six months free rent at Southend’s Victoria Shopping Centre.

Just weeks after Southend Council launched the competition alongside SaveTheHighStreet.org to offer rent free space, it has been revealed dozens of businesses have thrown their name into the hat.

Six winners will be given the keys to empty units in a prime location in the High Street shopping centre, and independent traders already based there have revealed why they think the Victoria is a great place to work.

Owner - Shaz Shetoudeh of Keisha’s Accessories Excited - Johnny Malone of Brickie's Pie and Mash (Image: George Pizani) Katy Matusiewicz said: “I am a different type of boutique and have clothes from other countries you can’t get anywhere else. I have clothes from Turkish and Polish designers that are totally different.”

The entrepreneur, who moved to the centre a few months ago having previously been based outside of the town, said her current location allows her to take advantage of foot traffic.

“I came here because I was looking for more customers in town and just passing by,” she added.

Katy also singled out the use of the centre’s facilities, such as parking, as a reason for her move, adding: “When I was in London Road my customers would struggle to park and now, they can come into the centre, have a coffee and browse my shop.”

Kim of Lifestyle and Mobility also highlights the accessibility of The Victoria Shopping Centre as a core draw for businesses.

“There’s great access for people with disabilities which is a major thing for us, and we’ve been here for ten years,” she said.

“There’s a lot of events that go on, such as the market on Saturday and kids’ activities. There are often children singing out there.”Busy - inside Unique Ink, the centre's only tattoo parlourBusy - inside Unique Ink, the centre's only tattoo parlour (Image: Gaz de Vere)

As the only tattoo parlour at the shopping centre, Sophie Adams from Unique Ink says it'll be great to see more shops opening.

"The Victoria is a great place to work as being in the centre of Southend it's always busy with lots of passing trade," she added.

"The security staff are always around and friendly so that puts us at ease." 

Having opened Brickies Pie and Mash at the start of the summer holidays, Johnny Malone has had a chaotic first month but is excited about his new space.

“It’s such a nice place to be in, so clean and modern, but it is lacking in shops so any more are going to be a positive for a nice centre like this,” he said.

“It would be good if all the units were filled up because it’s really got the potential.”