We’ve done it! Old Town wins Portas Pilot bid

The money, won in the second phase of the Government project led by retail expert Mary Portas, will be used to enhance the area, help businesses and create opportunities for 
independent retailers through a new ‘Heart Up’ scheme.

The announcement, made by Local Government Minister Grant Shapps on Wednesday, marked an impressive result for the team of business owners and residents who took just four weeks to prepare the bid, which was submitted last month.

Out of 400 applications from across the nation, the Old Town project was among just 15 to be successful.

Jeremy Ireland, who lives in Court Street and is the leader of the bid team, said: “I feel incredibly privileged to be involved with something like this and to get approval for the ideas that were literally pulled in from the businesses around here is incredibly rewarding.

“The money will be used as a catalyst to draw in funding and support from different areas.

“It’s not all about the money but the overall pot will be spent on a whole series of dramatic, ‘cosmetic’ changes but they’re deeper than that because they’re designed to lift people’s spirits and draw them into the area.”

Businesses have pledged time, materials and money to the project, with about £40,000 of ‘match funds’ being in the pot.

Funds will also be provided for business start-ups.

To qualify applicants will have to prove their business will support the area’s current retail mix and complement other traders.

Focusing on the ‘gateway’ to Old Town, where Bath Street meets Clemens Street at the railway bridge, the project will aim to provide a face-lift for the area using artwork and lighting.

The work is likely to start over the next few months.

Helen Wild, the owner of the Grand Union restaurant who worked on the bid, said: “It’s about businesses and residents in the community coming together to make this a place to be proud of.

“I think it could lend itself as a little Notting Hill or Camden Town - that’s what it has the potential to be and that’s what we want to make it.

“It’ll be a destination for the town rather than an add-on.”

The money will be looked after by Warwick District Council, which will provide expertise through advisors such as Leamington town centre manager David Butler.

Mr Butler said: “This is an opportunity for Old Town to reinstate itself on the map and to highlight the good things that are down here.

“It’s not just about filling empty shops but also giving people their first step on the career ladder which is fantastic.”

A meeting of the Old Town team and council representatives will take place in the coming days to establish the first priorities for the project.

To get involved call 07968 742102 or search for Mary Portas Old Town on Facebook.