Projects that will benefit from the funding include the refurbishment of vacant retail units to improve their appearance and attract new occupiers; marketing and promotion of local facilities and businesses; improvements to pedestrian access into the town centre; listed building enhancements to Glencairn House and the Old Academy Building; riverside enhancements and improvements to the streetscape such as repainting of street furniture, and planting projects. These are all expected to be complete by the end of the year.
In November 2009, the Council was awarded a total of £450,000 of TCRF for Dumbarton. £100,000 has contributed towards Council-led lighting, CCTV, signage and car park projects, most of which are completed. The remaining £350,000 was allocated to improvements to the Artizan Centre to be undertaken by centre owners Jermon Developments.
Following Jermon’s confirmation that they would be unable to commit to the works within the required timescale, an alternative funding application and supporting information was presented to the Scottish Government in June.
Council Leader Ronnie McColl said: "The Council was delighted to receive confirmation from the Scottish Government that the TCRF funding could be re-allocated to help improve Dumbarton Town Centre. The Dumbarton Town Centre Forum members have been working extremely well together and are demonstrating what partnership working and a collective spirit can achieve. I look forward to seeing the various improvements that have been made possible due to this funding taking shape in the near future.”
