A NEW scheme that will see artists, students and retailers get the chance to display their wares in the windows of vacant shops was launched in Sheffield city centre yesterday.
The "Sheffield Showcase scheme" aims to revamp an area west of Pinstone Street, where most of the shops have been subject to compulsory purchase orders prior to the Sevenstone new retail quarter project getting under way. As the scheme has been halte
d by developer Hammerson in the downturn, Sheffield Council has decided to create this "outdoor gallery" to improve the appearance of that part of the city centre.
The scheme is being run in conjunction with The Source, a city-based retail skills academy, and development agency CreativeSheffield.
Sheffield Council leader Councillor Paul Scriven said: "The projects help local business, helps to get more people into the city centre around an area of the city that has been pretty redundant lately, and it provides a fantastic opportunity for young visual merchandising students."
Over the next 18 months the displays in the "showcase" windows will be repeatedly updated.
Coun Scriven said: "We want to make this project as exciting as possible.
"It won't just be some static display but rather will change every month or so to allow as many creative talents in the city to get a bite of the cherry.
"This city has some fantastic talent and what better way of showing it off than to greet people's eye as they navigate around the city centre."
Brendan Moffett, director of strategic marketing at Creativesheffield, said: "Sheffield has developed a growing reputation as a progressive city.
"Therefore, where other UK cities are facing similar problems, Sheffield is leading the way in this innovative approach to a solution.
"Creativesheffield has developed the Sheffield Showcase brand which is a versatile and inclusive concept – really capturing the imaginations of those who have been involved so far.
"We hope that the people and businesses of Sheffield will also be inspired by this project - either to get involved or appreciate the great work of others."
