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Aldershot's Portas Pilot bid

Find out more about our bid to become a Portas Pilot.

Aldershot was one of 400 towns that bid to become a Portas Pilot, and get up to £100,000 government finding to help improve the town centre.

In total 27 towns were chosen for the scheme. While Aldershot was not selected as a Portas Pilot, the town team now has the option to bid for a share of £5.5 million the government has set aside for individual town centre projects.

About the Portas Pilot

Last year, retail expert and TV star Mary Portas published the Portas Review, which made 28 recommendations about what could be done to rejuvenate struggling town centres and high streets.

One of the recommendations was that the government set aside a pot of £1 million so that 12 towns could test some of her ideas. The government then pledged funding and support for a further 12 towns. The Greater London Authority agreed to fund another three schemes within the capital.

Winning towns received up to £100,000 to develop their town centre.

Find out more about the Portas Pilot project

Aldershot's Portas Pilot bid

Rushmoor Borough Council put in a bid for Aldershot to be a Portas Pilot.

Watch the video that accompanied our bid:

The bid focused on three areas:

• Helping people to get into the retail business. We want to make it easier for potential retailers and entrepreneurs to try out retailing through pop-up shops and market-style stalls
• Supporting our existing retailers. We want to work with retailers to identify and cut down on red tape and barriers to growth
• Making Aldershot known for its excellent customer service. We want to work with retailers and their staff and support training opportunities