The Liverpool Pop-Up program offered six start-ups, social enterprises, community groups or artists an opportunity to trial their concept and activation ideas in a low risk environment for up to 6 months at very low discounted rent costs.
Background
Liverpool City Council values the contribution small businesses make to the local economy and employment. A key part of Council’s Economic Development Strategy is to support start-ups, entrepreneurs and small businesses.
In April 2018, Liverpool City Council started the Pop-Up program with the aim to activate the southern end of the city centre which was experiencing low pedestrian traffic. The idea was for council to provide support to potential small business entrepreneurs in Liverpool.
Under the initiative, council owned shops were offered on an Expression of Interest ‘EOI’ basis, with the intention of transforming these vacant arcade shops into creative retail and innovation hubs.
The project provided an opportunity to trial business concepts and operations in a low risk environment and successful applicants were provided with business advisory support prior and during their tenancy.
Implementation
Four council owned premises were identified to form the basis of the program.
Expressions of interest were promoted through council’s website and social media every six months or when a shop premise became available.
Promotion and advice about the initiative was continually shared with community partners including Business Connect Advisors and local Chambers of Commerce.
Outputs
Vendors offer a variety of products and workshops to entice passing pedestrians and engage shoppers.
Activities include workshops for screen-printing ethically sourced clothing, sewing, macramé and painting.
Outcomes and results
The Pop-Up program has transformed Liverpool’s retail strip into a vibrant shopping destination, benefiting local small businesses and boosting retail occupancy rates in the area.
The benefit to applicants is that they can use the program to test their concept and learn skills associated with running a business such as business planning, financial management and marketing.
Costs and funding
Initial costs of the program included refreshing and fitting out the vacant premises for purpose to a range of retail activities. Shop fronts had kitchenettes added, lighting improved, painted and shelving for products installed. As they were council owned shops, funding or grants were not required to pay for these upgrades.
Council also accepted a reduction in lease earnings under the scheme, in line with its commitment to encourage the growth of small businesses in Liverpool. It felt the trade-off for lower lease earnings, was an increase in employment and general economic development as well as activation of the Liverpool CBD.
Key learnings
Success was measured in tenants’ ability to engage the community in activities within the shop, together with any request to extend a lease agreement or relocate to other more permanent premises.
The challenges included supporting new business owners to learn and understand business planning, financial management and marketing, including finding appropriate strategies to attract more visitors into the arcade.
Other relevant information
The program was successful whilst in operation. A key pillar of success was supporting new businesses test their business model.
The two council-owned premises involved in the program were not empty for longer than two months.
These two businesses stayed in their premises for more than 12 months:
Council Details
Population size: 223,304
LGA size: 30,552 km2
State Electorate: Liverpool
Federal Electorate: Fowler