These have ranged from offices, shops, and hospitality premises to residential units, and holiday accommodation.

Around £560,000 in grants and £80,000 in non-domestic rates relief has enabled this wide range of businesses to get their properties back into productive use, enhance the appearance of town centres, and contribute to the local economy. In addition to funding and rates relief, those who take part in the scheme also have the support of an Empty Business Property Officer to guide them through the process and offer advice.

The grant scheme applies to business properties that have been empty for at least six months. It is open to owners and lessees of properties registered on the valuation roll.

Examples of the support available include: 

• repurposing a vacant property for an alternative business use, or refurbishment of an empty business property to enable reoccupation
• relocating new businesses to the Argyll and Bute
• helping a business expand and so keep it in the area
• Where appropriate, support change of use applications to residential use to help tackle our housing emergency and declining population

So far, grants of between £3500 and £50,000 have helped breathed new life to empty properties with projects such as:

• A new 11-bed aparthotel in Campbeltown, in a category C listed building 
• Repurposing a former Campbeltown bakery as a retail outlet
• Developing a community-owned commercial unit in Tarbert
• Creating a construction hub in Tarbert, within the old Bank of Scotland
• Refurbishing a hair and beauty salons in Lochgilphead
• Full refurbishment of shops in Hillfoot Street, Dunoon
• Repurposing two former banks on Argyll Street, Dunoon
• Converting the Mackintosh Club, Helensburgh, into artist studio
• Remodelling a restaurant/bar and retail shop in Rothesay

Councillor Math Sturgess Campbell, policy lead for business development, said: “Bringing empty properties back into use makes our town centres more attractive, vibrant and prosperous. Grant funding, coupled with appropriate support, can help make properties fit for new businesses, allow successful companies to expand or, with the right permissions, create much needed homes for local families. I look forward to seeing what more can be achieved in partnership as we work creatively with our local developers.”