At the inaugural meeting of the Council’s Economy and Resources (E&R) Committee (12 Sept) Members will be asked to agree to a number of allocations from the Town Centre Living Fund 2019/20.
Dumfries and Galloway Council agreed to put in place a £1m Town Centre Living Fund in February 2019. This local initiative has been widely recognised as delivering a variety of positive regeneration projects across the region, making the best of the additional income generated by Council Tax on second homes
The allocations which are being put forward for recommendation include:
An additional £24,065 from Council Tax on second homes income to the Town Centre Living Fund to support the development of new housing development projects.
The allocation of £160,000 to Cunninghame Housing Association to enable re-development of the former Lockerbie Academy Site.
The allocation of £77,865 to Cunninghame Housing Association to carry out a feasibility study in relation to the creation of a community facility in the Grade B Listed Albert Hall in Annan.
The allocation of £144,000 to Loreburn Housing Association which will enhance the affordable housing development at the former Garrick Hospital site in Stranraer.
The allocation of £142,200 to Loreburn Housing Association to support the affordable housing development at the former Scottish Power yard at Brooms Road, Dumfries.
The allocation of £120,000 to provide empty homes grant funding to bring back the Grade B Listed building at 93 Irish Street, Dumfries to bring it back into use as 6 flats.
Chair of E&R, Rob Davidson said: “Providing members agree, these are exactly the type of projects our £1m Town Centre Living Fund was set up for. We need housing development such as these projects to support the regeneration of our town centres, attracting more people to live centrally, bringing extra income into our town centre businesses. These are prime sites which should provide modern affordable living accommodation for single people or families, revitalising the heart of our towns.”
Vice Chair, Archie Dryburgh said: “Economic regeneration in our town centres is vital, but it has to start from a source, and the best starting point is allowing people more choice to live in the centre of town, if that’s what would suit them. The knock-on effect will be more vibrant areas with shops, cafes, bars, social and community enterprises, leisure, culture and a boost to our tourism.”
