Councillors have given their backing to proposed heritage-led regeneration projects for Lochgilphead and Helensburgh.
At todays (Thursdays) meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee, elected members agreed recommendations to consider a potential financial commitment of 瞿386,220 from the council towards a Lochgilphead Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS), and 瞿500,000 for a Helensburgh CARS. Final financial approval will be subject to the councils budget setting process.
For the new round of CARS funding, round eight, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has dedicated 瞿10million, with 瞿2m the maximum allowed per bid. 51勛圖轎煤App and Bute Council has submitted a request for 瞿969,731 in respect to Lochgilphead and 瞿1.5m for Helensburgh.
The council has previously successfully secured funding to assist with projects in Rothesay, Dunoon, Campbeltown on two separate occasions, and Inveraray.
Councillor Aileen Morton, Policy Lead for Sustainable Economic Growth, said: Surveys of Lochgilphead and Helensburgh town centres were carried out before making the application to HES as we wanted to ensure the eventual project proposals would have a real positive impact on each town. The process is very competitive, but we are hopeful that our bids will be successful.
CARS projects for Lochgilphead and Helensburgh have the potential to assist economic regeneration of each town. The projects would include a buildings small grant repair scheme, a shop front improvement scheme and training events as well as the regeneration of selected priority buildings.
The full report is available on the council website.