REVEALED: First it was houses, now it's shops for a pound

Pictures: Larry Neild

LIVERPOOL, which made national headlines when it offered to sell off houses for a pound,  is going one further today by offering shops for the same price.

In a bid to breathe new life into a rundown area of Smithdown Road, the city council is giving an unbelievable chance to wannabee entrepreneurs to transform vacant shops into viable businesses in an innovative “Shops For A Pound” scheme.

The scheme, believed to be the first of its kind in Britain, is a variation on the city’s hugely popular Homes for a Pound project.

Read: 25,000 apply for homes for a quid scheme 

It will see a row of empty shops opposite Toxteth Cemetery, and some in Earle Road, made available for up to three years at an all-in rent of just £1 per week.

With large rooms on the two floors above thrown in, traders will also be able to live above the shop, saving thousands on buying or renting a home.

Successful applicants will have to carry out repair work themselves and must have finance in place to do the work. But they will be offered help by a team of experts and advisors.

They will also have to agree run their businesses from the refitted unit. Commercial rates will only apply after the three year period has expired. 

Open all hours: The view opposite the shops which also boast floors of living accommodation above, which is more than you can say for the neighbours

The Shops For A Pound scheme is part of a wider regeneration plan which is also seeing 150 vacant houses nearby being offered to people for £1 on condition that they are brought up to a decent standard within a year and aren’t sold or sub-let within five years.

Read: For Sale: Your Wavertree Nook For Just £1

Liverpool Deputy Mayor Ann O’Byrne, said: “We are giving people with a passion and commitment to the area the chance to create a new business and be part of the hugely exciting grassroots regeneration of Picton.

 

Pound land: Business supremo Cllr Gary Millar and Deputy Mayor Anne O'Byrne launch the Shops For A Pound scheme on Smithdown Road

“Work is going to be starting imminently on refurbishing the first properties as part of the Homes For A Pound Plus scheme, while the recent completion of the Archbishop Blanch School has given the area a tremendous boost.

“This is a hugely exciting time for Picton and I believe we are on the cusp of a real upturn in its fortunes driven by the community, supported by the city council.”

Each proposal must be for a new, commercial business and cannot compete with an existing business in the neighbourhood.   It means gambling establishments, fast food takeaways, tanning salons, off licences/pubs and pay day loan shops will not be permitted, but bids for community cafes and healthy takeaways will be considered.

Read: Toxteth house bought for £1 worth £150k

Cllr Gary Millar, Cabinet member for business, enterprise and investment, said: “Shops and businesses are a vital and integral part of a successful local community.

“This is about giving people with great ideas and a solid business plan the chance to get their venture off the ground, without having to worry about rental costs in the first three years.

“We don’t want to disadvantage existing local businesses so the ideas can’t duplicate what’s already on offer and we don’t want more shops selling services linked to fast food, gambling, pay day loans, alcohol or tanning.”

*Don't call us! Expressions of interest for Shops For A Pound can only be made here and the closing date is Monday 9 May.

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