Introduction
Over the last decade, Argyll and Bute Council has taken forward an ambitious capital regeneration programme which has helped to stimulate further public and private sector investment. Projects ranged from the provision of new schools, bringing buildings back into productive use and upgrading public realm in each of our key towns. These council investments have attracted a substantial level of external funding that has helped transform a number of our town centres, securing residents homes for the future, restoring civic pride, bringing redundant property back into productive use and enabling new businesses to open. Such previous projects include the £30m CHORD initiative, Campbeltown CARS, Inveraray CARS and Rothesay THI.
The council is continuing to deliver projects that support meaningful place regeneration across the area. Recent investment includes Helensburgh Waterfront and has included the £1.6m Scottish Government Town Centre Fund and £3m Tarbert and Lochgilphead Regeneration Fund, which have sought to build upon and add value to previous regeneration activity through carefully considered projects that have the potential to make Argyll and Bute a more attractive place in which to live, work, visit and invest.
Town Centre Funded (TCF) projects in Dunoon, Helensburgh and Tobermory. 28 projects were supported by TCF funding between 2019 and 2021.
Current Place-Based Regeneration Projects
Conservation Area Regeneration Schemes and a Townscape Heritage initiative are being delivered in Lochgilphead, Helensburgh, Dunoon and Rothesay. The projects seek to safeguard the respective area’s heritage, to refurbish historic buildings, support business owners make improvements to their shop fronts, facilitate a programme of traditional building skills training and host a series of events that celebrate the cultural heritage of the area.
The Lochgilphead Front Green project seeks to substantially improve the Lochgilphead waterfront for leisure activity.
Projects that support town centre vibrancy and align with the nation-wideScotland Loves Local campaign, such as bespoke ‘shop local’ messaging, Argyll and Bute Cards, and support to business owners to enhance both the digital and physical presence of their businesses.
The Hermitage Park project seeks to restore formal gardens in Helensburgh.
Scottish Government Place Based Investment (2021/22) will support a Shopfront Improvement Scheme, public realm improvements in Bowmore and Helensburgh, a refurbished building and landscaped area to house Dunoon Bike Bothy, and a café garden area for Dunoon Burgh Hall.
Argyll and Bute Council continue to also support community-led regeneration, by helping community organisations access Regeneration Capital Grant Funding.