Walsall Council provides High Street helping hand

WALSALL Council has launched a new initiative to help provide a much-needed boost to its High Street.

The council’s town centre management team has been working with local landlords to secure nine retail units to attract new businesses to Walsall Town Centre.

The local authority has received funds totalling £100,000 from the department for communities and local government’s high street innovation fund and has been working with landlords to drum up a package of incentives to bring empty shops back into use.

The council is now looking for business owners and new start-up businesses who are interested in the initiative to contact them for more information.

The deal includes up to six months business rates relief – covered by Walsall Council, a six month rent free deal from the landlord upon signing a three year lease or a 12 months rent free upon the signing of a five year lease, a business support package and incentives and discounts from established businesses.

Councillor Adrian Andrew, deputy leader and portfolio holder for regeneration, said that it is hoped the initiative will breathe life back into the High Street.

“This is a project which supports the coalition’s vision for Walsall’s future, a thriving commercial metropolis which sustains development and growth,” he said.

“We have been given a chance to create a legacy for economic well-being, providing investors, shoppers and visitors to Walsall with an attractive, busy, successful town centre.”