Scheme fills empty city centre shops in Bath

Empty shops in Bath are being repurposed for the community, as part of the Council’s Vacant Units Action Project.

The scheme finds new uses for empty retail spaces to support the high streets’ recovery and increase activity in the city centre.

The project has seen local charity Share and Repair move into a new unit on George Street today, housing a ‘library of things’, carrying out repairs and hosting how-to workshops to help local people save money and the planet by reducing waste.

Fringe Arts Bath and Bath Fringe have also recently taken over a shop on Broad Street, renamed ‘This is not a Shop’ and hosting events, performances, and art exhibitions until 27 August.

The project is part of the Council’s High Streets Renewal programme and was awarded £500,000 from the West of England Combined Authority’s Recovery Fund, with match funding from the Council and Bath BID.

Cllr Richard Samuel, deputy leader and cabinet member for economic development and resources, said: ‘I’m delighted to see that the Vacant Units Action Project is going from strength to strength and continuing to make excellent use of more empty spaces in the city. It’s helping to make our city more vibrant and attract footfall, improving our public spaces.’

Other vacant units have been put to use, including the rapid Covid-19 testing centre on Burton Street and the High Street Hub in Cheap Street that supports and advises businesses.

West of England Mayor, Dan Norris, said: ‘I’m proud that the Combined Authority that I lead is backing Bath so that people can enjoy pop-up art galleries and make use of recycling and repair services in buildings that would otherwise be empty. We are a region of innovation and creativity and this is a brilliant example of Bath people coming together to make sure our city continues to be an amazing place to shop and visit. Making sure our city centres are vibrant and safe is really important to me and our local communities.’

In related news, a planning application has been submitted to transform Leah’s Yard in Sheffield into a hub for independent businesses.

Photo by Taylor Gibson