BUDDING business owners are being invited to try running their own shop in the centre of Oxford on a short-term basis.

Oxford City Council is transforming the former luggage shop on George Street into a community space, co-working centre or pop-up shop or possibly a combination of all three.

It is part a scheme the council launched in July to help bring empty units back into use more quickly by connecting businesses and organisations with the landlords and agents of vacant city centre units.

Oxford Mail:

Now the council is offering a 12-month ‘meanwhile use’ opportunity in 1-3 George Street.

The property is over five floors and features a ground floor of about 2,000 sq ft.

The council is currently working up long term plans for 1-3 George Street.

READ MORE: Jack Wills in Oxford IS closing down

Earlier this year, the council re-let neighbouring 5 George Street to the Italian restaurant chain Ask, which has been given a revamp.

READ AGAIN: Council's £9m George Street plan is being shelved

Footfall is up across the city centre, according to the UK High Street Index.

Deputy leader of Oxford City Council Ed Turner said: “This is an exciting opportunity and provides businesses, social enterprises and cultural organisations a taster of operating in one of Oxford city centre’s busiest streets.

“We hope other city centre landlords and agents will follow up the initial interest they’ve shown and offer their temporarily vacant units for further meanwhile use.”

Footfall in the city centre is up, according to the UK High Street Index.

For more information about the ‘meanwhile use’ opportunity in George Street, and to put forward proposals, email: citycentre@oxford.gov.uk