North East pop-up shops are no empty gesture

Mar 7 2010 by Mieka Smiles, Sunday Sun

WHILE the recession killed off countless businesses across the North East, it has given a new breed of entrepreneurs the perfect opportunity to make some quick cash, boosting their town’s image in the process. Mieka Smiles reports.

Councillor Dave Budd, Middlesbrough Council’s executive member for regeneration and economic development said: “We are Open looks set to be one of Middlesbrough’s more unusual retail successes.

“In just a few months we have had several creative businesses using empty shops to sell their products and plenty more want a piece of the action. Our space is already booked up until well into the summer.

“In challenging economic times it’s exactly this sort of unusual initiative that will help our town centres.”

Communities Secretary John Denham praised councils in the North East after hearing how they are using Government funding to fill empty shops.

In Darlington, a grant has been used to encourage people to use shops near the Market Hall with events and attractions. A vacant unit on Horsemarket is now a student exhibition and Queen Street Shopping Centre is displaying art.

In Stockton, the funding has been used to put on performances and art workshops.

North Tyneside has improved shop fronts in Whitley Bay to attract more shoppers onto the high street.

Mr Denham said: “There is no need to abandon our high streets when we know that it doesn’t take much to turn around an empty shop.

“I was particularly pleased to hear about all the great ideas the North East has come up with.”

:: For more information on the Designers Marketplace Pop-Up Shop visit www.designersmarketplace.org.uk or find it on Facebook.

:: Middlesbrough’s Designers Marketplace Pop-Up Shop is open until the end of April Mondays noon-5pm and Tuesday to Sat 10am-5pm.