Detail Of Town Centre Fund Revealed

2nd April 2009

Further details on how Scotland's hard pressed high streets will benefit from the Town Centre Regeneration Fund have been released.

The new information on the operation of the £60 million scheme was issued by the Scottish Government and COSLA esterday (2 april 2009).

The fund will complement efforts already underway to support town and city centres across Scotland which are feeling the effects of the economic downturn.

A wide range of bodies including local authorities, Community Planning Partnerships, Business Improvement Districts, Town Centre Managers, local Chambers of Commerce, businesses and third sector groups will be eligible to apply.

In addition the new details reveal that the fund is open to any area identified in local authority development plans as a town centre.

Minister for Housing and Communities, Alex Neil, said: "These are hard times for businesses and families across Scotland and this government is working hard to meet this challenge, refocus activity and ensure Scotland gets through the economic downturn in the strongest possible position.

"Investing money in our town centres is a crucial part of this effort and we are clear that we want to see the whole of Scotland feel the benefit of this fund.

"We are looking for strong bids from all areas and all size of towns with a clear emphasis on partnership working, economic, social and environmental benefit. I would encourage any organisation who think they can meet this criteria to apply to the fund."

Alison Hay, COSLA's Spokesperson for Regeneration and Sustainable Development said
"I welcome the joint initiative to invest in town centres and breathe life into them. I look forward to the re-invigorated towns we will achieve by working with our community planning partners and other successful applicants.

"Whether it is dealing with contaminated land, renovating stone work or creating innovative community facilities, for those at the sharp end of the downturn it is extremely important that we see the benefits of spend this year."

Bids that satisfy eligibility criteria will be assessed on the basis of the economic, social and environmental benefit they deliver, the time required to deliver and the degree to which they support strategic local plans. We will be looking particularly to support those
bids that reflect local partnerships agreements and/or will be delivered through local partnerships. An independent Advisory Panel will then make recommendations to Ministers on allocations, making sure that all of Scotland benefits from the Fund.

Further details are available and can be found on our website http://www.scotland.gsi.gov.uk/Topics/Built-Environment/regeneration/town-centres

Application packs and final detail on the assessment of applications to the fund are currently being finalised. Full details and application packs to be available shortly (by the end of April).