Three new businesses in Croydon hit the jackpot as they were awarded a year of free rent from the local council.

Croydon council held a competition to fill three freshly refurbished shops on Portland Road in South Norwood, offering the free accommodation as an incentive.

Elizabeth James was one of the winners and has said she’s shocked and delighted to be chosen.

Elizabeth said: “I have never won anything in my life, so I am over the moon to have been selected as one of the three winners.”

Elizabeth will launch her contemporary art gallery on 7 December. It will host exhibitions showcasing the best of Croydon’s young artistic talent, alongside Elizabeth’s own work.

Local primary and secondary schools and colleges will also be invited to attend educational visits and workshops at the gallery.

She said: “Having the space for a year gives me a base to work from, will allow me to take my business to the next level and hopefully create something that SE25 can be part of and proud of.

“South Norwood has a very special place in my heart because I was born and raised there; having lived in a flat above a shop at 21 Portland Road from the age of three weeks until I was 21 years old, those shops were the backdrop to my childhood.”

More than 50 entries were submitted to the competition, which will see budding entrepreneurs benefit not only from free rent, but also from business support provided by the council’s regeneration team.

The competition for the new shops, which will be at 10, 14 and 16 Portland Road and focus on art and fashion, are part of the council’s wider investment plans to regenerate and boost business in the area around South Norwood High Street.

The shops are to be handed over to the competition winners in the comping weeks, once renovation work currently being undertaken is complete.

The other winners include Rob Swain, whose shop will host regular art exhibitions and book launches, as well as offering original artwork, prints, clothing, books and records, alongside artisan coffee.

Eva Cammarata was the third winner, whose new store will offer in-house customised knitwear, alteration services, gifts and corporate merchandising, and machine knitting. Her business will also offer professional courses in knitting, sewing, and craft clubs and will stock and sell haberdashery products.

Councillor Mark Watson, cabinet member for economy and jobs and one of the judges for the award, said: “The physical improvements the council is making to the local neighbourhood are only part of the jigsaw.

“For South Norwood to thrive we need to see new businesses coming into the area to attract new customers. This will also benefit existing traders and property owners.”