- The grant scheme is open to applications for vacant properties that are registered in the valuation roll maintained by Dunbartonshire and Argyll & Bute Valuation Joint Board.
- Properties with a ratable value of <£1000 will not be eligible.
- Town centre properties will be a priority, but properties in locations outwith town centres will also be in scope.
- The grant scheme will be open to business start-ups, established SME’s, Business Improvement Districts, Development Trusts, social enterprises and charities.
- Each applicant will only be able to apply for one property, however, owners of multiple properties can work with a tenant or prospective tenant to take forward an application.
- It is expected that applications from property owners seeking to transform their vacant property to support occupation will have a new tenant for the premises lined up, or are in the process of securing a new tenant prior to the completion of works.
- Applications from tenants of an empty business property must have at least three years unexpired term on their lease.
- The grant scheme will be open for applications from prospective leaseholders of an empty business property, where trading or operations have not yet begun.
- Where a new leaseholder/tenant is making the application, it is a requirement that the property owner provides a supporting letter to indicate consent for the grant application, and that as landlord they will provide a lease for a minimum of 3 years.
- The grant scheme is also open to applicants from outwith ÄÛ²ÝÓ°Ôº who wish to create new business in the area, as inward investment is a priority for place-making and local and regional economic development.
- Retrospective applications for works already undertaken or started are not eligible and will not be considered.
Eligible Costs
Discretionary grant support will help towards eligible capital costs including premises refurbishment, premises fit-out, feasibility studies, professional services or regulatory fees related to planning or building warrant applications.
- For repurposing and refurbishment projects, the grant scheme will support eligible project costs with an intervention rate of 75% up to £25,000.
- For research & design projects, the grant scheme will support with an intervention rate of 75% to cover professional and regulatory fees for the following;
- Scoping the repair or redevelopment of an empty property
- Feasibility or options appraisal for addressing property ownership including community transfer or compulsory purchase
- Space rationalisation to improve utilisation of a large empty property
- Residential conversion of appropriate business properties
Those that successfully apply for a research & design project will also be eligible to apply for a stage 2 project to implement the findings of the initial stage. It is proposed that grant support for both project must not exceed a maximum of £25,000 for up to 75% of eligible costs.
Ineligible Costs
The grant cannot be used for moveable equipment, wage subsidy, debt repayment, working capital, routine maintenance, purchase of an existing business, and property purchase.
