The Vacant Shop Academy: What It Is & Why It Matters

Across the UK, town centres are adapting to changing shopping habits, with around 14% of high street units currently vacant. While this presents challenges, it also creates opportunities for new businesses and fresh ideas to bring life back into empty spaces.

Following our recent announcement about our partnership with The Vacant Shops Academy (VSA), BID for Galashiels is now moving into the practical phase of the project - identifying vacant premises and helping connect suitable businesses with available units, supporting a stronger and more vibrant town centre.

What is the Vacant Shop Academy?

The Vacant Shop Academy is a practical programme designed to help businesses take the step into physical premises.

Moving from an idea or home-based business into a town centre unit can be a significant step. The programme provides structure, guidance and connections to help make that transition more achievable - supporting businesses to understand premises requirements, navigate the process and connect with the right opportunities. 

The model has been used successfully in towns across the UK to help unlock vacant spaces and bring new activity into town centres.

How BID for Galashiels Supports the Process

As the local delivery partner, BID for Galashiels plays a key role in connecting businesses, property owners and support organisations.

Our work includes:

• Understanding which properties are vacant and the reasons behind them

• Promoting opportunities to potential businesses locally and regionally

• Reviewing applications from prospective occupiers

• Connecting suitable applicants with vacant premises

• Introducing applicants to property owners and agents

• Signposting relevant business support such as funding, rates advice and mentoring

The aim is to create a structured, supportive and transparent process for both prospective businesses and property owners.

How the Process Works

Businesses interested in opening premises in Galashiels can follow a simple three-step process.

Step 1 – Complete the Intake Form

Applicants provide some basic information about their business, premises requirements and timeline.

Step 2 – Review and Discussion

The BID team reviews the information and arranges a conversation to explore the idea further and identify how support can be provided.

Step 3 – Property Matching and Support

Where appropriate, applicants may be introduced to suitable vacant premises and supported with guidance and connections to relevant support services.

Why This Matters for Galashiels

Reducing vacant units benefits the whole town. Bringing new businesses into empty premises can:

• Increase footfall in the town centre

• Strengthen the mix of local businesses

• Improve confidence in the town centre

• Support long-term regeneration and investment

A vibrant mix of businesses helps create a town centre that people want to visit, shop in and spend time in - supporting both existing traders and future investment in Galashiels.

Get Involved

If you’re thinking about opening a premises in Galashiels - whether you’re launching a new business, relocating, or looking to move into a larger space - or if you’re a landlord with an empty unit who would like support in finding a tenant, we’d love to hear from you.

👉 Complete the online application form here

SOURCE: Knight Frank, Retail Investment Update, 2025