Make-over a great success
FORGET all those home improvement shows on television ... because there has been a make-over on Longrow that leaves them all in the shade.
Campbeltown is celebrating the completion of an ambitious £350,000 buildings restoration project which has seen businesses and homes saved and new jobs created.
And it is all the result of property owners and Argyll and Bute Council working together to get the funds for, and organise, repairs that will keep 10-20 Longrow South in fine condition for years to come.
The turn-around has been spectacular.
The properties are home to a butcher, fishmonger and florist, and six families in the flats above.
New business
As a result of this success, a new business is being launched, following work to bring back into use two shops, one of which had been vacant for 20 years, and the other closed since 2014 because of building problems.
This new restaurant opened this week in the recently-converted single venue at 10-12 Longrow South, making five new jobs.
The owners of the properties formed an owners’ association to agree and arrange the repair and renovation work.
They were supported by the council all the way.
Sweeney McGeachy, who chairs the owners’ association, said: ‘Several years ago, we were faced with the prospect of works notices that could have threatened the future of our businesses and the homes above.
‘All owners worked together to safeguard the future of the building. The council has supported us through the entire process and we are delighted with the end result.’
The project was financed by contributions from property owners, private sector housing grant and by funding successfully secured for Campbeltown by the council through Historic Environment Scotland’s Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme.
The internal conversion of two shops into one at 10-12 Longrow South was funded privately by the owner and tenant.