EMPTY shops at Gloucester Green in Oxford - where the homeless sleep in doorways - are being taken over by new businesses.
In the summer El Mexicana chain restaurant and family-run Combibos coffee store shut.
Ever since, the homeless have been seeking shelter in the doorways and leaving their belongings there in the day but it is understood they will be asked to depart before the new businesses open.
READ AGAIN: Gloucester Green in danger of becoming a no-go area
Earlier this month Mary Clarkson, city councillor for culture and city centre, said there was a danger the square could become a no-go area if action was not taken to revive it.
Now it is understood that two new businesses have been found to take on leases for the separate premises, which are owned by retail and leisure investment company NewRiver.
A city council spokesman said: “The keys are being handed over imminently to two new tenants, one for each unit.”
READ AGAIN: Friday market trading for Gloucester Green
Traders at Gloucester Green market say they are aware of the presence of the rough sleepers but have not been troubled by them.
The market, which has stalls selling food, clothes, antiques, records, books and other items, trades on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, and from April will also start trading Friday.
The market is run by LSD Promotions in conjunction with the city council.
Dermot McGillicuddy, market coordinator, said a market would be run on Friday from the beginning of April, for a trial period of six months.
He added: “The international street food is hugely popular - Londoners come here and say it’s the best outside Borough Market.
“Combibos and El Mexicana have been let - my understanding is that one of the shops will be a convenience store - like a mini-market.
“I’ve heard that the other unit is going to be a new restaurant.
“We are thinking about changing the stalls equipment for the market and bringing in a new colour scheme.”
On Thursday. one of the rough sleepers left a sign up asking council staff and homeless agencies to contact him if they removed his belongings.
City council spokesman Dave Lansley said earlier that city centre managers and Thames Valley Police have had discussions with NewRiver about their rights and responsibilities as landlords, including the action they could take as landowners, regarding the homeless.
He added: “NewRiver see options like injunctions as a last resort and would prefer to take more positive actions.
“Our community response and city centre ambassador teams have been in daily contact with Gloucester Green businesses and rough sleepers.
“We have been asking rough sleepers to keep the area tidy and encouraging them to access services to help them inside and get the support they need to leave homelessness behind.
“In the first instance, this would involve engagement with the outreach team.”
Music store Fopp closed in February despite a number of other Fopp stores being rescued in a buyout deal.
A spokesman for NewRiver said: "We can confirm that we are in advanced discussions with a number of new occupiers for the vacant units at Gloucester Green, and will be able to share further information about this imminently.
"We want to create a vibrant and welcoming space at Gloucester Green, and look forward to expanding the offering for the local community."
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