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Keen interest in town centre units offered as part of recovery programme
09/08/2021
Local businesses and organisations being sought for accommodation offered at below market rate
A scheme that breathes life back into empty buildings and gives local businesses and organisations a helping hand has seen keen interest in the first four Banbury properties they are making available.
The countywide ‘Meanwhile in Oxfordshire’ economic recovery programme aims to take vacant units in town centres and transform them into independent shops, cultural venues, creative studios, and co-working space.
Makespace Oxford are the lead delivery partner on the initiative. They inspected over 13 vacant retail units in Banbury town centre and secured short-term or ‘meanwhile’ leases on four of them. Makespace are now looking for local, purpose-led businesses and organisations to let the spaces to in an effort to support Banbury’s local economy.
Two of the units are in the Castle Quay shopping centre, another one on the High Street and the other in Market Place.
“We’re thrilled to have these brilliant spaces coming online in the heart of Banbury town centre,” says Makespace Communications Manager Emily Jarrett. “We’ve got some fantastic occupiers lined up, but are still on the lookout for more, so we’re encouraging everyone to apply and spread the word within their communities.”
Makespace are looking to house local, independent businesses and organisations that span many different sectors, but who are united by a commitment to positive cultural, social or environmental impact.
As part of the ‘Meanwhile in Oxfordshire’ programme, the spaces will be let below market rate, with further concessions available for charities and non-profit making organisations.
“There are so many unaffordable, empty spaces in our urban centres in Oxfordshire, and yet so many local organisations and businesses who could benefit from access to them,” says Penny Lawrence, Strategic Director at Makespace Oxford. “Through ‘Meanwhile in Oxfordshire’, we’re trying to bridge this gap by facilitating access to affordable space for local businesses and community organisations to grow.”
There has already been a lot of interest with the former Oxfam Bookshop at 43 Market Place currently under offer. Applications remain open for the remaining three spaces, and will be accepted on a rolling basis until suitable occupiers are found.
Makespace are encouraging anyone interested in space to apply, but will prioritise local, purpose-led organisations and businesses. Which applicants are successful will also depend on their space requirements, and how these match with the spaces becoming available through the programme.
Local property expert, Neil Wild of Wild Property Consultancy, is a delivery partner for the ‘Meanwhile in Oxfordshire’ programme. “This is a great opportunity for organisations, small businesses or entrepreneurs to take up property on a flexible basis, without having to sign a long-term lease” he explains. “The project also provides support during the process, so we can help an organisation with its next step.”
Councillor Lynn Pratt, Cherwell District Council’s Lead Member for Economy, Regeneration and Property, said: “It’s wonderful to see the first four Cherwell spaces becoming available in the heart of Banbury. This is such an exciting programme and we know Makespace are also working very hard to secure spaces in Bicester and Kidlington later down the line. I encourage any small businesses, entrepreneurs or community organisations who are interested in Banbury properties to apply as soon as possible.”
You can find out more about the programme and apply for space here and browse the upcoming spaces in Banbury town centre here.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam