Extensive repair and restoration work started this week on another of the target buildings in the Campbeltown Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) programme. The vacant tenement at 13-15 Kirk Street, which is a Category C listed building and has been the focus of comment in the media and concern among local residents, will undergo a thorough renovation by local contractors. The construction contract was tendered, and was awarded to a local contractor, with all 6 named sub-contractors also from the local area.

Lead Councillor for Environment, Development and Infrastructure John Semple said ‘It has taken 2 years of negotiation and development work to get the project to this stage, overcoming many practical and administrative hurdles before the THI grant could be awarded and the work started on site.

‘Target buildings are a crucial aspect of the THI, and were identified through public consultation and the conservation area appraisal process as being historic buildings worthy of restoration. This contract is a welcome boost to the local industry, at a time when many firms are struggling for work.’

Improvement works on target properties in Campbeltown began when the Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS), which was part-funded by Historic Scotland, launched in 2007. Over the past five years, numerous grants have been awarded via CARS, Housing Services and the THI, resulting in a significant improvement to the appearance of the town centre.  The improvement work at 13-15 Kirk Street has been supported by THI funding and a grant from Argyll and Bute Council’s Housing Services.

Staff from the THI and Housing Services will launch a new repair and maintenance guide for tenement owners at Campbeltown Library on 26 September, between 5.30pm and 7.30pm, and all are welcome.

You can find out more about the Kirk Street project, the new tenement maintenance guide, and everything else that's happening in the projects on the Campbeltown THI webpages.