Bristol City Council is planning to bring 150 empty high street properties back into permanent use following the pandemic, it has announced.
The local authority confirmed £5m is being allocated to help boost the city's retail and hospitality sector in the wake of the Covid crisis, with plans to transform vacant units into new businesses, including hospitality and creative spaces.
The cash injection, which will help with the regeneration of the city centre and its 47 high streets, includes £2m from Bristol City Council's Mayor’s Capital Recovery Fund and £3m from the West of England Combined Authority (Weca).
The package will be finalised by the council’s cabinet and Weca as part of a full business case in the summer, with businesses being able to apply for funding later in 2021.
Councillor Nicola Beech, cabinet member for strategic design and city planning, said investment in Bristol's high streets and city centre was "needed more than ever".
She said: "During 2020 many of us have relied on our local shops but a number of our high streets have increasing vacancy and are in serious need of some tender, loving care.
"This investment will support diversifying our high streets, making more attractive spaces and reduce vacancy rates by providing grants to open new shops, hospitality and creative spaces."
Nine high streets in Stockwood, Church Road, Shirehampton, Filwood Broadway, Filton Avenue, Stapleton Road, Brislington Hill, East Street and Two Mile Hill will be the focus of initial support.
The money will be used to improve the "look and feel" of the city's high streets, the council said, and reduce the number of vacant premises by providing cash to open new businesses, and boost footfall. The local authority also said it was also aiming to increase the diversity of uses across existing sites.
Bristol City Council said it would work closely with businesses, residents, community groups, the creative and events sector, and other stakeholders to make sure grants and improvements "match the challenges" facing each high street.
The support package also contains a new £1m high street grant fund, which includes funding for capital and revenue costs and will be available across all 47 of the city’s high streets to support new businesses.
The announcement comes days after the launch of Bristol's ‘virtual high street guide’, which is being run by Bristol City Council and social media engagement company Maybe Tech.
The will allow shoppers to find businesses near them and view their social media content. It will also enable firms to interact with and incentivise people while they shop.
