THI invites all to celebrate its 9th birthday

A TOWN Hall drop-in event will celebrate nine years of Campbeltown Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI).

The event, on Thursday July 7, from 12 noon until 6pm, will showcase THI’s successful town centre regeneration projects which are helping revitalisation and show what is planned for the next four years via the new Campbeltown Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS).

It is open to everyone and light refreshments will be available throughout the day.

Chair of the Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands Area Committee, Councillor Rory Colville said: ‘The THI has been a huge success for the people of South Kintyre.

‘More than 40 buildings have been repaired and a number of derelict properties brought back into use.

‘Flats have been repaired and rented out and over 40 local contractors have benefited as a result of the projects.

‘This is exactly what this council is all about – breathing new life into town centres, creating jobs, making towns more attractive and vibrant, and boosting the economy.’

Notable projects include the recently completed Town Hall and tenement at 50-52 Main Street/2 Cross Street, the backpacker hostel, 13-15 Kirk Street, 60 Main Street, the Royal Hotel and a number of shop front improvements.

More than £7million has been spent on historic buildings in the centre of Campbeltown since 2009, all from initial grant awards of £1.8million.

The THI has secured a number of awards including best runner up in the 2013 Surf Awards for best Town Centre Regeneration project.

As well as the THI review, there will be a launch of the new CARS small grants scheme with information available for owners of properties within the designated grant area.

In addition, there will be exclusive archive photographs of Campbeltown’s grand building project - the construction of Longrow South between 1907 and 1909. This ties in with the repair and conservation project currently underway at 10-20 Longrow South.

From the outset the THI has been a partnership project with involvement from a variety of stakeholders including community groups, local businesses, property owners and the local community.

To highlight this partners at the event include South Kintyre Development Trust and CCB Ltd which is restoring The Picture House.

If anyone would like to speak to the project team about building repair grants drop-in to the Harvey’s Lane office or call 01586 559048.