Published 11 July 2024
A scheme to improve the appearance of town centres across West Dunbartonshire is now available to traders in all of the area’s three towns.
Following a successful pilot programme in Alexandria, the shopfront improvement scheme – which is aimed at smaller, independent businesses – was rolled out to Clydebank earlier this year and is now being made available to traders in Dumbarton.
In Alexandria, 13 businesses successfully applied for the funding which is provided through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It provides individual grants up to a maximum of £10,000 towards shopfront improvement works. This aims to help existing landlords and tenants improve the quality and appearance of commercial units as well as increase the attractiveness of shop units within the town centre. Applications from traders in Clydebank are currently in progress.
The scheme will remain open until March 2025 or once funds are fully allocated, whichever comes first. Those interested are therefore encouraged to apply now so they don’t risk losing out.
Councillor David McBride, Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “I am delighted that the welcome investment from the shopfront improvement programme is now available across all three town centres in West Dunbartonshire.
“It is vitally important that every effort is made to attract people to shop and visit our town centres and this fund is integral to that.
“I would urge any traders who have questions about the scheme and want to know if they are eligible to apply to contact the project team who will support them.”
Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, Vice Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “I am looking forward to seeing the improvements in all three of our town centres as work takes place to make these areas more attractive for people who work, shop and live in Clydebank, Dumbarton and Alexandria.”
Businesses are encouraged to make contact with the Council’s regeneration team who are happy to assist traders prior to their application being submitted.
The grant will only fund eligible works with projects such as the installation of some types of external roller shutters and signage not supported.
The shopfronts should respect the character of the street and the area in general and be in keeping with the overall style and appearance of the building. Where a building is heritage listed, special care will have to be taken when drawing up proposals and undertaking work.
The application form can be downloaded from https://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/business/regeneration/funding/shopfront-improvement-grant/ and more information is available by emailing the regeneration team at regeneration@west-dunbarton.gov.uk
Any application will be subject to the relevant consents and approval.