HULL has been picked as one of 100 UK cities where "intensive support" will be given to make high streets vibrant.
The Healthy High Streets campaign will offer business expertise and resources to help high streets realise their full potential.
It is being run by Business in the Community, a charity aiming to stimulate local economies.
The campaign's founding partners are Boots UK, the Co-operative Group, Marks & Spencer and Santander.
Senior managers from all four organisations will be working with Hull Business Improvement District (Bid) to improve the appearance of the city centre.
Kathryn Shillito, Hull Bid's city centre manager, recently met with senior representatives from the organisations.
She said: "These are really well recognised brand names. People pay attention to what they are saying.
"Smaller independent businesses really value feedback from the big guys.
"It is testament to Hull Bid that we have been chosen to take part in this national scheme."
The Healthy High Streets campaign aims to:
Enable access to landlords to address and empty unsightly property.
Prioritise accessibility and safety.
Create and enable high-profile events to increase footfall.
Create pop-up shops and markets to support start-up enterprises.
Help improve customer service.
Provide expert help and resource and celebrate the high street.
To measure its impact, Business in the Community says it will be monitoring footfall, property vacancy rates and jobs created.
Mrs Shillito said: "The scheme is in its infancy. Our next job will be to formulate an action plan and gets things moving."
Overall, the campaign aims to increase footfall in the high street by 10 per cent, reduce empty property units by 20 per cent and create 3,000 jobs across the 100 selected towns and cities.
Brandon Lewis MP, the High Streets Minister, is backing the campaign.
He said: "The Healthy High Streets campaign is fantastic, with 100 champions providing invaluable local support.
"It's great to see the big players on the high street like Boots UK, the Co-operative Group, Marks & Spencer and Santander using their expertise to help all of the high street reach its potential."
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