Published Date:
03 July 2009
IS this the future for Blackpool's empty high street stores?
From today, posters advertising the resort's retail revival will be plastered on some of the towns biggest vacant spaces.
Regeneration chiefs hope the colourful vinyl displays will tempt more shoppers and big names into town.
Doug Garrett, chief executive of ReBlackpool, said: "We're doing something about the gaps in Blackpool with colourful window designs.
We're trying to bring investment into Blackpool in the long term, but a temporary upgrade in appearance will help maintain a positive image."
from Central Drive to Cookson Street, has more than 90 empty shops out of around 700.
First stores to benefit from posters will be the former River Island on Bank Hey Street and the former Clarks shoe store on Church Street.
Many shops are empty after retailers moved into Blackpool's Houndshill Shopping Centre after its £30m revamp last year. Others have been the victims of the recession.
ReBlackpool has commissioned designers to create temporary artwork for the empty stores at two other sites.
The former Adams children's clothes store, on Bank Hey Street and the site previously occupied by Music Zone on Victoria Street will be dressed with the designs, printed on durable vinyl.
The revamp is a partnership between the regeneration company and Blackpool's Business Improvement District (BID).
Donna Jones, from BID, said: "Blackpool town centre is at the centre of our community so it is vital that any empty premises look both
vibrant and clean."
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Last Updated:
04 July 2009 10:32 AM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Blackpool