News: Retailers granted success in Rotherham town centre

The first three businesses that have successfully received their Business Vitality Grant have been announced along with news that they will shortly be opening within the newly restored Imperial Buildings in Rotherham town centre.

The three successful applicants are Mark Fitzgerald, owner of regional coffee shop chain, Prego, Michelle Black owner of Boo Boutiques already operating in Mexborough and Lisa Middlemiss who is excited about expanding her Rotherham based bridal wear boutique, Bridal Affairs on Wellgate, by opening a second unit in Imperial Buildings.

Owner of Boo Boutique Michelle Black said: "I am thrilled that my business will receive this grant assistance. I've always wanted to expand my business and another unit in Rotherham town centre is just what I needed. The grant gives small business owners like me the chance to achieve that."

Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Planning and Transportation Cllr Gerald Smith said: "I"m pleased to be welcoming these new businesses to the town centre and especially pleased to see that they are taking up units in one of our flagship Renaissance developments. The coffee house and boutiques have been awarded these grants as they are exactly the sort of high-quality niche businesses that adds to the Rotherham town centre offer."

The initiative was announced in March and is funded by Rotherham Borough Council and was developed by its Town Centre Management team.

As well as rental grants, seven grant offers to Rotherham's cafe's have also been made to help cover the cost of street-cafe furniture, canopies and outside areas.

It is also intended that the initiative will later be extended to include shop-front improvement grants for existing retailers in priority areas.

Rotherham Town Centre website
Rotherham Renaissance website
Rotherham

Images: rotherhamrenaissance.co.uk