Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has urged the Scottish Government to relax regulations and allow Pop-Up shops to flourish in abandoned retail space.
Experts predict that up to a fifth of all UK shop space will lie empty within the next year as slower consumption begins to bite.
Last year the UK Parliament finished a consultation process aimed at relaxing the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987. This will result in shops changing their use class for a period of two years without seeking planning permission. The Scottish Government currently has no plans to amend the equivalent legislation north of the border, (Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) (Scotland) Order 1997).
Pop-Up shops allow large and small retailers to set up without the burden of long-term contracts.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“Pop-Up shops offer would be entrepreneurs a route into retailing without the risk of long term contracts. They also encourage retailers to take risks and innovate their shop space which can only be good news for the customer.
“The Scottish Government needs to seriously look at the example set by the UK Government in England and Wales and relax legislation allowing Pop-Up shops.
“Without the commitment to reassess business rates until 2017, the Scottish Government must use this opportunity to breathe life into rural high-streets.
“A high street packed full of shops gives customers more reason to visit.
“Finally, with less red tape we can hope to attract younger retailers into starting their own business, thus reducing youth unemployment. Small businesses account for 27% of private sector employment in Scotland, ‘Pop-up Shops’ could be critical in sustaining this form of employment.”