THE LONG-awaited opening of Bromsgrove’s BirdBox independent business showcase will take place tomorrow at 1pm on the former Market Hall site.
Residents can flock to open air restaurants and bars this weekend and throughout August.
The pop-up space, near Waitrose, will support local independent food and drink businesses and, going forward, also host outside workshops, small events and well-being activities as part of its ongoing and changing programme.
BirdBox has been created by North Worcestershire Economic Development and Regeneration (NWEDR) on behalf of Bromsgrove District Council to give the site a complete makeover.
From tomorrow, and over the weekend, visitors can enjoy food from Ollie’s Eatery, Shimla Peppers, Heavenly Pizza and grab a drink from Bayleys and the Little Ale House.
Extra tables and chairs have been placed laced with social distancing in mind and hand sanitisers and portable toilets are also available.
Bromsgrove District Council Leader Coun Karen May said: “Our local independent businesses have suffered during the Coronavirus pandemic and even now, due to a lack of space to comply with social distancing, they are unable to open.
“We have supported businesses during this lockdown by administering Government grants and now are offering further support, as part of our Recovery Strategy, by providing a space for our hospitality industry to operate.”
The BirdBox is licensed to open from 12pm till 11pm Friday to Wednesday as the council also wants to help businesses take advantage of the Eat Out To Help Out scheme. Businesses interested in having a space, which currently is free to hire as part of recovery measures, are being urged to get in touch.
Coun May added: “I am delighted to see the BirdBox open for business.
“As well as playing a part in the town’s future, it is an important part of our heritage. If you look up, at the buildings around this area, you will see little wooden structures which look like birdboxes, and this was the inspiration for the name.
“Although slightly delayed by the global pandemic, the BirdBox has opened in time to offer a vital lifeline to the businesses.
“In the future we want fledgling businesses to fly here and hope l local independent businesses, groups and organisations, consider how they can make the most of the space and encourage flocks of visitors to enjoy community events and initiatives.
She added it was another step towards creating a better Bromsgrove for everyone living in the district, working there or visiting.
Businesses interested in setting up in the BirdBox can register their interest by emailing [email protected] or calling 01562 732192. As the council wishes to support the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic there is no booking fee for the spaces at present.
For more information on BirdBox, visit its Facebook page – the website will be flying high soon!
