Tamworth Borough Council has launched a community lettings scheme offering reduced rents on selected units at Ankerside Shopping Centre.
The scheme is intended to make town-centre premises more accessible to start-ups, charities, community groups and social enterprises. Eligible units range from 223 sq ft to 1,032 sq ft, with flexible short-term leases and licence arrangements available.
Successful applicants will initially receive an inclusive rent for 12 months. The council says it can also provide grant signposting and letters of support for funding applications, although tenants will remain responsible for business rates, utilities and VAT.
Who can apply
The policy is open to registered charities, community interest companies and non-profit community groups; social enterprises that reinvest most of their profits in their social mission; and independent start-ups that have traded for less than 24 months and are based within 10 miles of Tamworth.
Councillor Nova Arkney, the council's portfolio holder for infrastructure and the local economy, said the approach was designed to give smaller local businesses an opportunity to establish themselves without being priced out before they could build up their trade.
“Ankerside is a key part of our town centre and bringing in a wider mix of independent businesses will help drive footfall and create a more varied experience for everyone.”
The initiative forms part of wider regeneration work in Tamworth town centre. The council said it had already received several enquiries and applications.
Applications and enquiries can be made through Ankerside's letting agent, Barker Proudlove, by emailing jessica@barkerproudlove.co.uk.
