New project seeks to fill empty shops and offices in Southend
In www.southend.gov.uk
Southend City Council is aiming to encourage the development and use of empty commercial buildings across the City and south Essex, by leading a project to provide zero interest loans to owners and developers.
Emma Cooney, director of regeneration and growth for Southend-on-Sea City Council, said: "We hope to counteract the increasing numbers of empty premises by supporting owners and developers to bring them back into commercial use. Short-term zero-interest loans are proven very effective for businesses, and we look forward to making them available across Southend and south Essex."
'No Use Empty South Essex' (NUE SE) will focus on town and city centres and secondary shopping areas, where high streets and other commercial areas have been significantly impacted by changing consumer demand and the after-effects of COVID.
This exciting new project will begin in Southend-on-Sea and across south Essex from 19 April 2022 and will run until March 2026. Further details and information on how to apply can be found on the NUE SE web page or by emailing the team on NoUseEmpty@southend.gov.uk