SHOPS and businesses which are laying empty could be brought back to life with a new scheme.
Owners of empty commercial property and developers in the city are being encouraged to bring buildings back to life by using the Southend-led “No Use Empty” scheme.
The scheme was launched in early 2022 and has so far loaned just over £1m to owners and developers in Southend, and across South Essex.
With the success over the last year the scheme is about to access a second tranche of Government funding.
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On a first come first served basis, commercial property owners can now register an expression of interest for loans of between £50,000 and £200,000 interest free for up to three years.
Ian Gilbert, councillor responsible for economic recovery, regeneration and housing, said: “I am delighted that we are now able to access a further £1m of 0 per cent loan funding, enabling us to support ongoing regeneration in our city."
Eligible projects supported to date, have included the development of an empty bank premises and an old supermarket building.
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