- New community lettings scheme launches at Ankerside, offering reduced rents to start-ups and social enterprises
- The scheme offers selected units with cut price rents
- The scheme aims to diversify Ankerside's tenant mix, support local entrepreneurship and boost footfall in the town centre
Tamworth Borough Council has opened up new opportunities at Ankerside for local businesses and local independent start-ups. Eligible organisations can apply for specific units, with the aim of making these retail units more accessible. The inclusive rent is initially for a 12-month period, with continued support as the businesses become more established.
Tamworth Borough Council can also support successful applicants with grant signposting, and letters of support for funding applications, helping to reduce the cost of setting up a new unit.
The scheme forms part of the council's wider ambition to bring a broader range of independent and community-focused businesses into Ankerside, building on the town centre's ongoing regeneration. By lowering the financial barriers that often prevent business star-ups and smaller organisations from taking on retail space, the council hopes to support new business growth while creating a more varied experience for town shoppers and visitors.
Councillor Nova Arkney, portfolio holder for infrastructure and the local economy for Tamworth Borough Council, said: “The success of Town Hall Place shows just how much appetite there is for independent businesses in Tamworth, and how important it is to make it easier for them to get started.
“This new approach at Ankerside is about giving start-ups, and small local businesses a genuine opportunity to establish themselves in the town centre, without being priced out before they've had the chance to prove themselves. We know the property costs are often the biggest barrier for smaller businesses, so this scheme seeks to support while businesses build up their trade.
“Ankerside is a key part of our town centre and bringing in a wider mix of independent and businesses will help drive footfall and create a more varied experience for everyone. I'd encourage any start-up or local business, thinking about a town centre presence to get in touch and find out more.”
Units range from 223 sq ft to 1,032 sq ft, with flexible short-term lease and licence arrangements available, including flexible break options. Property costs are being subsidised through this initiative, the aim is to support businesses with the initial starting costs, and gradually review costs on an annual basis before moving tenants onto a more standard commercial term.
There has been a fantastic response to the initiative already, with several local businesses getting in touch and applying for space. Applications and enquiries can be made through the centre's letting agent Barker Proudlove at jessica@barkerproudlove.co.uk
Notes:
The Ankerside Community Lettings Policy is open to three categories of applicant: registered charities, community interest companies and non-profit community groups; social enterprises reinvesting the majority of profits into their social mission; and local independent start-ups trading for less than 24 months and based within a 10-mile radius of Tamworth.
Tenants will remain responsible for business rates, utilities and VAT.
Town Hall Place was part of the £21million Future High Streets Fund regeneration project, which has also delivered the Elizabeth Bradford Business Centre, a wider footbridge into Tamworth Castle grounds, redevelopment of the former Peel Café, refurbishment of St Editha's Square, and Market Street properties restoration.