'Vitality grant' helps arcade's new boutique

Through Rotherham Council's "business vitality grants" initiative, owner of "Boo" boutique Michelle Black has received money towards her rent for the next two years, as well as contributions towards the cost of fitting out the shop.

She said: "I'm so thrilled to be joining the arcade and having a presence in Rotherham town centre. It's been something I have wanted to do for a while, but the grants helped me take that step.

"I already have another boutique in Mexborough so I know there is a market there for the clothing I sell."

Boo will join "Jeweller's Exchange" and women's clothing and accessories boutique "Yella Brick Road" in the grade-two listed Imperial Buildings.

Next month Rotherham Open Arts Renaissance (ROAR) will also move into the building. ROAR is currently fitting out three units and the internal arcade, which will form an art gallery exhibiting and selling local work.

Paul Lancaster, of Rees Denton, the commercial letting agent for the Imperial Buildings, is still fielding enquiries for the remaining units. He said: "I continue to be enthusiastic about the prospects for this building. I am carrying out regular viewings and I'm currently in detailed discussions with further potential tenants regarding terms.

"I am excited about the tenant mix that we are attracting and confident that this building will, as a consequence, be a great success."

Rotherham Council has described its grants scheme as a "striking success".

Cabinet member for economic development, planning and transportation, Coun Gerald Smith, said: "It's great to see this building beginning to achieve our ambitions, with the 116 new apartments in this area now fully let and providing a great customer base for our new Imperial retailers.

"I welcome the new businesses and hope they enjoy the building and the developments that continue to happen in that area, the next stage being the public landscape improvements to the Minster Yard."