Grants scheme brings new shops and jobs to Market Drayton

Nine new shops have opened in Market Drayton – and around 20 jobs have been created or safeguarded –  in the past year, thanks to grants from Market Drayton’s High Street Revitalisation Grants Scheme (MDHSR). 

The scheme, which is administered by Market Drayton Town Council, was created in December 2011 after the town council successfully bid for £135,000 from Shropshire Council’s Market Town Revitalisation Programme (MTRP). 

The MDHSR, also working closely with the Shropshire Council’s empty homes team, has focussed most of their efforts on the High Street and surrounding retail area.  The main aim was to see vacant premises brought back into use, both the shop space and the residential property above. 

So far the scheme has resulted in a number of new shops opening due to the grants. These include Tiny Tots, Drayton Deli, Brenin Bikes and Per Cup Coffee Shop.  Additionally, the conversion of 16 High Street to six residential units will have a positive impact on High Street, which in recent years has suffered from a surfeit of long-term empty properties. 

These new retailers opening have resulted in the creation of several jobs in the area, as well as the safeguarding of others from other grants under the scheme. 

Mark Pembleton, Shropshire Council’s business and enterprise manager, said:

“This scheme has been instrumental in facilitating the opening of several new shops in a relatively short space of time, and the impact is hugely promising.  The scheme is aimed at reversing the high street’s decline and increasing spend in the town of Market Drayton. Hopefully with continued support and attention the area can go from strength to strength.” 

The MTRP was set up in 2010 to grant funding to projects throughout the county’s market towns and rural areas, and has awarded over £3.2m from its £3.5m budget to over 74 projects so far, including the MDHSR.