The revitalisation of Scottish town centres: an update for 2016
The Scottish Government launched “The Town Centre Action Plan” in November 2013. The plan was launched in response to recommendations from a national review of Scottish town centres and included ideas designed to support town centre revitalisation and plans to assist local action in order to achieve this.
Last year, NovaLoca looked into the activity taking place in Scottish towns to revitalise the areas. There were various projects taking place in 2015 in Scotland including a large regeneration scheme in Aberdeenshire, the regeneration of the high street in Fraserburgh’s town centre and plans for a landmark building to be restored in Renfrewshire.
It has been two years since “The Town Centre Action Plan” was launched. We wanted to see what further plans have been made for 2016 and the future. In November 2015, Social Justice Secretary Alex Neil announced: “Twenty one communities around Scotland will share £1.7 million of Scottish government funding to help revitalise their town centres.” The money will be drawn from a new Town Centre Community Capital Fund designed to help communities deliver a wide range of capital projects.
Converting Helensburgh Victorian Railway Warehouse
Helensburgh Heroes, an innovative community based organisation, were awarded £145,000 which was one of the largest in the twenty one awards announced in November last year. At the heart of the initiative has been the conversion of a former railway building which Helensburgh Heroes believe has huge potential.
The organisation plan to convert the former Victorian railway warehouse based on George Street into a vibrant multipurpose community facility and social hub named ‘The Heroes Centre’. The facility will offer a classic 50’s diner, multi-purpose auditorium, exhibition space and a range of specialist learning areas.
Renovating Ayr Gaiety Theatre
£590,000 was awarded to begin the renovation of Ayr’s Gaiety Theatre. The money will be used on new seating, lighting and sound equipment in order to push the theatre into the 21st century. Alex Neil, the Scottish Government’s Social Justice Secretary, said: ““By renovating the theatre and improving the experience for audiences, I’m confident that this will have a knock-on effect on the local economy, encouraging more people to visit and spend money in Ayr.”
Revitalising Kilsyth Main Street
Local group Kilsyth Community Market Garden will receive £139,500 to help revitalise Main Street which acts as the high street for the Scottish town. Constituency MSP for Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, Jamie Hepburn, said: “I am delighted that the Scottish Government has delivered this historic funding which should make a real difference to the Kilsyth Main Street.”
As these projects continue, NovaLoca will continue to follow their progress and look into further plans for Scottish town centres.
If your town is involved in any revitalisation projects, we would love to hear from you so please comment below!
