Investment in retail shopfronts and buildings in Renfrewshire has surpassed three-quarters of a million as the Council strives to improve town centres and support local businesses.
Since the inception of the Retail Improvement Scheme (RIS), more than 205 local businesses have received funding to improve their commercial shopfronts – with more than £755,000 awarded to 106 projects since 2016.
In the past three years, six vacant premises have reopened following works supported by the fund and a further two are currently advertised for lease.
Recent projects have included much-loved sewing school the Auld Atelier in Paisley town centre, the Flower Shop in Elderslie, and the Green Herbalist in Lochwinnoch.
Lisa Thom, the Auld Atelier, said: “The Retail Improvement Scheme has made a huge difference to my business. It allowed me to replace the existing shop front, which was falling apart, to a standard which I would have struggled to achieve on my own.
“I used to avoid having photos of the shop taken and shared online but not any more. Now, my shop front stands out beautifully in the street and it attracts a lot of positive attention.
“This scheme is vital for local businesses, ensuring that our retail spaces are attractive places for people to visit. The team were very supportive in ensuring I could complete my application, and where problems arose, they were on hand to help me resolve them.”
So far this year, 13 projects from across Renfrewshire’s towns and villages have been awarded funding and a second application stage has just concluded – with a total of £130,000 set to be allocated to enhance town centres across the area.
Councillor Andy Steel, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Economy and Regeneration Policy Board, said: “This fund has been hugely popular with businesses across Renfrewshire and I’m delighted to see so many benefit from our investment – particularly those premises that were vacant and have now been able to reopen thanks to our support.
“Investing more than £750,000 since 2016 outlines our commitment to supporting local businesses and improving the look and feel of our town centres. I look forward to seeing the latest set of projects completed early next year as we continue to make Renfrewshire a place that people want to live, work, visit and invest in.”
For more information on the scheme, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/RIS.
Photo: The Flower Shop in Elderslie, before and after
Photo: The Green Herbalist in Lochwinnoch, before and after
Photo Credit: Google Earth
Photo: The new sign for sewing school, the Auld Atelier, in Paisley town centre