AN EMPTY Hampshire warehouse could become the county's next shopping Mecca after plans were approved for hundreds of stalls were approved.

Planning chiefs have granted permission for the building in Southampton to become the Boutique Village, which could boast up to 150 independent traders and create 100 jobs.

The man behind the plans says it may open by the end of June and will be home to a host of new local start-up businesses.

Adrian Williams has worked with Solent Business Growth Network to push the idea forward and he says it will be a chance for entrepreneurs to learn about how to expand their businesses as well as selling their products.

He said he had seen expressions of interest from about 200 traders who wanted to set up stall in the Truvoc Building in Millbrook, and they ranged from Scandinavian furniture and clothing to a tea room and wooden toys.

The 40,000sq ft warehouse will be divided into 150 units while there will also be workers who can look after stalls when traders are away as well as security and banking facilities.

Mr Williams said: “We all know our high street shops are disappearing in the current economic climate. The high rents large deposits and long leases, plus enormous utility bills are a no go area for new independent businesses to grow and develop.

“The Boutique Village will offer start-up, entrepreneurs’, independent traders, small businesses the opportunity to have a base to sell and grow their businesses. Once developed they will return to our high streets filling up the empty shops with new vibrant independent businesses.

“By converting the inside of the warehouse into Individual Boutiques it will create spaces for a wide range of businesses to custom design and create their own unique space to sell their products and services.”

“It’s not all about businesses and creating jobs for at least 100 local people though, it will also be a facility for local people and businesses to use to build a great community. A function room for hire, for people to get together and a place for clubs and organisations to meet.

“Schools will have free space allocated throughout the academic year to mentor students in business practices and assist with facilitating enterprise schemes.”

“This opportunity will benefit everyone from shoppers looking for that something different they can’t buy on the high street or the internet, to local community, and the local economy through business development and job opportunities.

“A shopping experience that offers a fantastic selection of enthusiastic traders with a real passion for what they do and sell.”

Anyone interested in signing up for the Boutique Village should call 02380 981222 or 07889 44517.