A pop-up charity shop in Lochee which is still being pursued for £31,000 of rates has folded.
The charity status of the Lochee Reuse Centre was questioned by Dundee City Council which was demanding £31,501 in backdated payments.
Shop founder Doug McLaren said the “uncertainty” of the rates position had left him with no choice but to give up the project.
Mr McLaren said: “An exciting innovative project which helped raise almost £60,000 for local charities and provided much needed household goods at low cost for Lochee folk and beyond has folded.
“The crux of the matter is that the full rates on the property are an astronomical £18k per annum and previous commercial occupancies have struggled unsuccessfully to thrive or even survive.
“New bookings for ‘popping up’ could not be taken on in this situation of uncertainty.
“The project being in limbo was highly vulnerable to being supplanted at the shop by other would-be occupants and so it has proved as the landlord has agreed to accept an alternative tenancy.
“It’s come unstuck for various reasons but there is a risk of charity assets being lost because the notice to quit the tenancy of the shop has been woefully inadequate and it’s very urgent that a new home for the furniture and fittings is found.”
Mr McLaren said the unique “rolling pop-up” model he created in Lochee had a lot of potential, with many of the charities involved asking to return.
He said the adaptability of the centre was a major benefit as the shop served as a temporary community centre during the Christmas lights switch-on last year.
Various stalls were set up during the event, advice was given and there was even bingo before the shop was back in use as a charity shop the next day.
Groups in Lochee have also used the centre and the local allotment group are also using it to store equipment.
Charitable organisations are entitled to an 80% rates discount and councils also have discretionary powers to top this relief up to 100%.
Council investigations into the shop’s eligibility for discounted rates are ongoing and the matter is expected to be brought back to Dundee City Council’s policy and resources committee for a final decision.
However, Mr McLaren said it was too late and is now looking to offload some of the shop’s resources of old furniture and other donated items.
He said: “There has been no time given to accommodate the pop-up equipment in other premises and we seek some kind shop owner to accommodate all the stuff otherwise this asset will be lost forever.
“Many charities have kept items for resale stored in the upper floor area and that too is at risk of being dumped,” said Mr McLaren.
Over the past year the shop has been used by a number of charity organisations both big and small, including the Children of Songea Trust, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Girl Guiding Dundee and the Boys’ Brigade.
Almost £60,000 has been raised for various charities, according to Mr McLaren.