Dunoon's town centre is set for a £1.08 million public-realm upgrade after the area secured a share of the UK Government's £20 million Community Regeneration Partnership Fund (CRPF) for projects across Argyll and Bute.

Phase one, the Dunoon Town Centre Investment Scheme, will direct £200,000 into the town by March 2027. The CRPF backing will help deliver priorities in the Dunoon and Kirn Local Place Plan, including proposals to:

- Improve the streetscape and create higher-quality space for businesses;

- Continue grants for shopfront upgrades and property repairs in line with conservation guidance and business needs;

- Attract families, young people, visitors and the 'pedestrian pound' to local shops and cultural venues;

- Encourage residents, especially young people and families, to spend more time in the town centre; and

- Provide place-based enterprise support in Dunoon.

The Dunoon Town Centre Investment Scheme aims to:

-- Advertisement --

- Return vacant and under-used buildings to productive use;

- Enhance shopfronts within the Conservation Area; and

- Support development of town-centre tourism or residential accommodation.

By investing in premises, workspaces and homes, the scheme seeks to make the town centre more attractive to:

- Home-based workers;

- Small businesses and start-ups;

- Creative and professional services; and

- People wishing to live in, or visit, the town centre for business or leisure.

Who stands to benefit?

- Individuals or businesses investing in property to improve work-life balance or develop their workforce;

- New or existing firms looking to relocate to, or expand in, Dunoon;

- Property owners ready to repurpose or improve vacant or under-used buildings; and

- Landlords investing in residential or visitor accommodation.

The programme builds on significant regeneration already delivered with Argyll and Bute Council and partners, including CHORD – Queen's Hall and Dunoon Pier, Dunoon CARS 2017–2022, shopfront improvement grants and other funding streams. Dunoon will also benefit from Crown Estates funding.

Councillor Jim Lynch, Policy Lead for Business Development, said: "Dunoon has always been a town with potential; a strong community, exceptional natural surroundings, and a history as a place where people come to live, work, and thrive.

"Dunoon's Town Centre Investment Scheme aims to breathe fresh life into the town centre by stimulating targeted interventions to create spaces that meet local needs and enhance the overall experience, encouraging longer visits and greater use of Dunoon's town centre."

Businesses interested in taking part are invited to complete the Business Funding Enquiry Form, or email Daniel McIntyre to express interest or discuss potential projects.