SaveTheHighStreet.org: Revitalising Southend and Beyond with Incubator Campaigns
Recently at SaveTheHighStreet.org we launched an exciting competition with Southend-on-Sea City Council, Business On Sea, and RivingtonHark, offering six new businesses the chance to occupy vacant shop units at The Victoria Shopping Centre in Southend. After receiving over 250 registrations and 150+ applications, it was too hard to select just six so we extended it to add a further business. We’re thrilled to announce the seven winners who will bring fresh energy to the high street:
- The Thrift Club with Aline Cabral
- The Princess Emporium with Eleanor Warner-Lathe
- Dalarna Vintage with Tessa Hallmann
- Create 98 with Alison Cotteridge
- Dr Drip with Ryan and Daisy Nuttgens
- Sacred Studios with Grace Smallman
- Something About Rose with Kate Gibbon
These businesses will be part of The Bridge, a dynamic new space set to energize the shopping centre and Southend as a whole.
A Proven Model for High Street Revitalisation
This initiative is part of a wider effort by SaveTheHighStreet.org to tackle rising vacancy rates and support local entrepreneurs. Earlier this year, in partnership with Redevco, we launched the UK’s first ‘end-to-end pop-up incubator’ at Guildford’s White Lion Walk Shopping Centre. This program offers startups rent-free retail space for three months, expert mentorship, and business support. The incubator has already helped businesses like Rita Botanicals, Silent Pool, and MyNewFave transition to long-term leases.
Scaling for Future Success
The success of this incubator model is a breakthrough for high street regeneration. We’re expanding this initiative to other locations, across the UK to create flexible, community-driven spaces that quickly repopulate vacant units and nurture local talent.
“We believe this model can play a key role in revitalising town centres across the UK,” said Clare Yeadon from Redevco.
As we celebrate the winners in Southend, we’re excited about the future of these incubator projects, which are breathing new life into town centres and supporting sustainable retail destinations across the UK.
To find out more about our vacancy solutions visit SaveTheHighStreet.org/end–vacancy or email Partners@savethehighstreet.org
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