In 2009 Holyhead had the highest vacancy rate of any town centre in the UK – with 39%of premises empty.

The main shopping area of the town centre had been hit hard by out of town retail parks, large scale job losses locally and general economic decline.

Not content to see the town centre deteriorate further, the Plas Cybi Partnership, a community-owned regeneration
organisation, decided to do something about the empty shops.

Approaches were made to the owners of vacant shops – a mix of local people and owners further afield in London – to
discuss their views on entering into rent-free periods on their properties. The intention was to secure premises rent-free and then implement some quick fix works, internally and externally, to make them presentable. Working in collaboration with the local County Council and Enterprise Agency it was hoped that budding entrepreneurs in the town could be supported into low cost retail units.

Plas Cybi would use its charitable status to apply for business rate relief of up to 80% on all the premises secured on rent-free tenancies.

In March 2011 a local retired pharmacist offered his old chemist shop free for a year. This positive response kick-started momentum which resulted in an additional 5 vacant shops being secured for the initiative. Three of these shops were offered rent-free for periods ranging from 6 months to 12 months whilst another two units had rents reduced by over 60%.

By the end of 2011, six previously empty premises were open – creating 5 new businesses which currently employ 12 people. These businesses have brought some activity back into the town centre which in turn has given confidence to another two local businesses to establish themselves in premises which were previously empty.

The initiative has generated discussion and generally positive feedback within the community. Local people see some life, albeit gradual, being brought back to their town centre. Owners of vacant properties now see some light at the end of the tunnel as they have tenants in their premises. Of the five businesses who started in 2011 on rent-free tenancies, three have now negotiated extended tenancies which involve some payment to the owners.

The Welsh Government has backed the initiative and wants to see it expanded. Plans are afoot to bring another 8 vacant premises back into use during the next two years. Demand for premises is high with locals keen to take up premises with low rents and rates.

Judges’ comments:

“An excellent project. It is creative, imaginative and highly transferable; a project which deserve applause. A small investment with real achievement. Jobs created, retail vacancy reduced and a better high street offer overall!”