Arts plan for Worthing's empty shops
PLANS to transform Worthing's empty shops with art have been welcomed by shoppers and businesses.
Adur and Worthing councils have secured a 35,000 grant from Coastal West Sussex Board and intend to use some of the money on empty shops in the west end of Montague Street.
The empty shops will be transformed into space for community group projects, supporting new business ideas and for local artists to showcase their work in the windows.
Dan Thompson, from the Empty Shops Network, said: "Using empty shops for arts events brings extra visitors to town centres to support local independent shops and we're seeing that empty shops can also give new businesses a chance to test their ideas on the high street."
Great idea
Shopper Susan Mead, 52, from Broadwater, said: "I think the art would encourage more people to look down roads such as this (Montague Street].
"It's a very good idea."
Rachel Sayers, assistant manager of tReds footwear outlet in Montague Street welcomed the plans and said the empty shops had had an adverse effect on business.
"It does have an adverse effect," she said. "Especially up this end of town.
"More so because of everyone staying where the shops are."
Allied UpMarket
The former Allied Carpets shop, just off Montague Street, will be used by 50 local groups, clubs, charities and artists in a project brought together by Worthing Lions Club, supported by the Empty Shops Network and Worthing Council.
The shop and showroom, in Buckingham Road, will become The UpMarket, a market selling vintage, recycled and "upcycled" goods to support local charities for six weeks, from November 11.
Art exhibitions, workshops and performances will also be held at the shop.
Find out more about the Empty Shops Network at www.artistsandmakers.com
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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