Empty shop windows used to send message to investors

WINDOWS of empty shops in Doncaster town centre are being revamped with new designs created by the council, in a bid to make the streets look more attractive to potential investors.

The first shop to be overhauled is the former JJB store in High Street, which now has artwork in the windows promoting Doncaster Council services.

Coun Jonathan Wood, the council’s cabinet member for business and new enterprise, said: “The new shop window initiative is an excellent way of ensuring that we make the most of unutilised premises to promote Doncaster’s services, successful businesses and to encourage new businesses to move into vacant premises.

“Whilst many empty shops are coming back into use in the town, this scheme using art to help businesses will help to brighten up some gaps.

“The creative designs aim to improve the appearance of the area, helping other properties close by as well as the letting agents in attracting new tenants.

“First impressions count both from the visitors’ point of view and if you are viewing an empty property. This initiative is an excellent way of providing vacant properties with a creative and convenient method of window dressing whilst marketing and hopefully giving shoppers a more pleasant environment within which to shop.”

As well as promoting existing council services, the shop windows will also be used to advertise forthcoming events taking place in Doncaster.

The scheme comes after the success of “Sheffield Showcase”, which saw empty shop windows in the area earmarked for the city’s New Retail Quarter taken over by local artists, designers and businesses.