Glasgow City Council has announced the allocation of funding from its Independent Retail Fund (IRF) to help improve shopfronts.

The Fund is a shop front improvement grant available to tenants and owners of occupied shop units in the Saltmarket and High Street conservation area, and also (budget permitting) on selected periphery streets.

Up to £3,000 will be available for single units, with up to £5,000 for double units, and the work to rejuvenate the shopfronts can include painting, new signage, external stonework repair, canopy installation, feature lighting and other methods.

The IRF is part of the High Street Area Strategy, which is delivering a series of projects and interventions to highlight the rich heritage of this historic part of Glasgow with the aim of increasing footfall and economic growth and improving the look and feel of the area. The progress made on the Strategy had been impacted by the pandemic, but has now recommenced earlier through initiatives such as the IRF.

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A number of shopfronts on High Street/Saltmarket have already benefited from this funding, and applications will be dealt with on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications can be submitted by owners or tenants (with written permission from owners).

There is a colour palette to be used throughout the area, and the IRF team will work with applicants on an agreed colour for the property.

Councillor Angus Millar, Chair of the High Street Reference Group, said: "Supporting the historic heart of Glasgow is the central focus of our High Street Area Strategy, and I hope this grant funding for shopfront improvements will help contribute to a unique local identity, drive increased footfall and benefit local businesses and the economy. The diverse range of retail premises on High Street and Saltmarket are a great fit for such improvements, so any interested local businesses should apply as soon as they can."