SCORES of traders have been left homeless after a pioneering shopping village was shut down.

In the year since it was opened the Boutique Village has attracted 450 small businesses and generated £600,000 in profits.

The innovative business model housed multiple traders and start-up businesses from a range of sectors in a converted warehouse on the Millbrook Industrial Estate.

Masterminded by Southampton entrepreneur Adrian Williams, it gave local entrepreneurs their first step on the ladder of success, complete with cash and banking facilities, low rents and no big deposits or long leases.

But now the doors have closed on the venture after planning permission was granted to demolish the premises to make way for six new industrial units to be built.

Mr Williams whose sole income came from the Village, said: “I’m absolutely gutted. We heard about it from the council but had to wait for twelve weeks for the planning permission to go through. But we have proved that there is a lot of interest from the public and small businesses in this type of venture. It’s unfortunate the landlord decided to knock the building down.”

Director of Southern Business Growth Network’s, David Vane, said: “I think it’s important to say that at its opening in July 2015 it has had over 450 small businesses in residence. The Village has shown the creative spirit of enterprise in the Southampton area.”

He added: “The project has shown the power of a small business community working together to provide some unique shopping experiences as well as some creative events.”

Now a desperate search has begun to find new premises for the shopping village which when it closed last week was home to 100 businesses.

Mr Williams said he was working closely with the council to find new premises and would need around 8,000sq ft to house the businesses – many of whom want to move with him.”

A spokesperson from original traders Wot Nots said: “The boutique village has enabled us to try out our small business venture without spending a fortune or having to cover full opening hours of a shop. It has been a great way to dip our toes into the retail business to see if it might work. And it has.”

The property – formerly the Truvox Building – will be demolished to make way for six new industrial or storage units and one retail or business unit. Car parking, and a ‘new modest soft landscaping scheme’ have also been included in the plans.

The proposals have been developed by the Brightspace Architects, on behalf of Maytrees Limited and Chesterton Commercial. It is understood the demolition will start at the end of August.