Empty shops in south Shropshire market town to be 'transformed' in four-day event

Empty shops in a small Shropshire market town are set to be filled with pop-up shops, exhibitions and workshops next month as part of a special four-day event.

Bishop’s Castle’s empty and underused high street shop spaces are getting a much-needed make-over in September for the ‘Bishop’s Castle Is Open’ event.

The event, which will see the town’s barren shop spaces “transformed”, was the brainchild of two local business people, Bex Hunter, of The Castle Hotel, and Deb Alma, of Poetry Pharmacy.

The pair have teamed up with the Shropshire Growth Group, which has previously run similar pop-up shop events in locations such as Shrewsbury, like the Shropshire Artisan Showcase.

Ms Hunter said: “It’s exciting to see an idea that started as a conversation become real.

“The response has been brilliant, with artists, makers and property owners all getting behind it – and we’re even welcoming Lush to Bishop’s Castle for a pop-up. For a small rural town, that’s pretty exciting.”

‘Bishop’s Castle Is Open’ will run from September 3 to September 6.

Amongst the many pop-up shops, exhibitions and workshops coming to Bishop’s Castle will be a store of the major cosmetic brand Lush.

The funds used by the Shropshire Growth Group for their project derive from money granted by the Department for Business and Trade via the Marches Growth Hub (MGH).

Anna Sadler, Shropshire Growth Hub officer, said: “Through initiatives like the Artisan Showcase, we’ve seen how temporary retail spaces can help businesses test concepts, reach new customers and build confidence.

“We are very pleased and happy to work with local businesses on projects like this.”

The Liberal Democrat councillor for Bishop’s Castle, Ruth Houghton, said: “'Bishop’s Castle Is Open' shows what can be achieved when a community works together.

“Bringing empty spaces back into use and supporting local businesses, attracts visitors and adds new energy to our town centre.

“A big thank you to Bex and Deb and Shropshire Growth Hub for taking this idea forward.”