New fund seeks to revitalise town centres

Businesses are being offered grant funding to support them to move into empty commercial premises in Renfrewshire.

The town centre premises grant is a £250,000 initiative by Renfrewshire Council aimed at reducing vacant buildings, encouraging new businesses, creating jobs and boosting economic growth.

Small and medium-sized businesses will be able to access up to 50 per cent of their project costs – with a cap of £25,000 – to support them in moving into any ground-floor centre premises in five locations including Erskine, Johnstone, Linwood, Paisley and Renfrew town centres.

The grant can be utilised to cover a variety of costs ranging from building improvements, rent payments, advertising and marketing expenses to fees and insurance.

The council’s business development team can also offer assistance to potential applicants in identifying suitable premises.

Councillor Andy Steel, convener of Renfrewshire Council’s economy and regeneration policy board, said the grant would go some way to revitalising town centres. He said:“We want all of our town centre premises to be open and for our communities and visitors to be able to access a varied range of products and services locally, as we strive to give people new reasons to visit the town centre.

“We have units that are ready for new businesses, or businesses looking to move, to go straight into and this new grant scheme will be a vital boost to them in their first year as we strive to help them succeed.

“I would encourage all start-ups or small to medium-sized businesses to get in touch with the team to discuss what might be possible for their business as it’s incredibly important that we do all we can to have thriving, vibrant town centres in Renfrewshire.”

The grant scheme is open for applications until the funding has been allocated entirely.

Interested businesses are encouraged to reach out to the council’s business development team first.

Additional information is also available at: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ business-grants-and-loans