Skate shop breathes new life into town centre

THE first shop of a row of 10 which have stood empty in the town centre for several months is finally about to reopen for business.

Ripride Skateshop will open on High Street later this month.

We reported last week how traders were offered reduced business rates as an incentive to move in while the store's owner Mark Taylor also banked a £3,000 moving-in grant from the borough council and Rugby First.

Ripride is one of the first businesses to get the grant since the scheme was extended to Sheep Street and High Street.

Managing director of Rugby First Aftab Gaffar said: “Although still early days, the scheme, combined with the business rate reduction, is generating plenty of interest and we hope to see more units filled over the next few months.”

Rates for shops in the town centre road have been reduced by 10 per cent to reflect what has been described as a material change of circumstance in the area after the closure of the 10 stores.

Mr Taylor said: “I have been skateboarding for over 26 years and always wanted to own a skateshop.

“Now I’m really excited about the new business and can’t wait to open.”

The borough council's economy spokeswoman Coun Heather Timms added: “Rugby Borough Council has just added £15,000 to the scheme to attract new businesses to vacant units on High Street and Sheep Street.

"I am delighted to see it has already attracted one new business and that there is plenty of interest from others.”

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