Council funding helping to fill empty town centre premises in Renfrewshire
Local businesses are being supported to grow and expand into empty ground floor town centre premises thanks to grant funding provided by Renfrewshire Council.
Article Source: Renfrewshire Council
Last Updated: 28 March 2025 10:39
Paisley Pie Co. and Gillan Green fruit and veg shop have moved into previously empty premises in Paisley after successfully applying to the council’s Town Centre Premises Fund.
Scott McGinlay of Paisley Pie Co. expanded from a small shop on Bridge Street to a deli style outlet offering both sit-in and takeaway options at the former Blend coffee shop on Causeyside Street, with grant funding supporting the move which has created ten new jobs – with more on the way.
Scott said: “This funding has allowed us to make a significant contribution to the regeneration of Paisley, and we are thrilled to be part of a project that helps drive the town’s growth and vibrancy.
“The support from Renfrewshire Council has allowed us to transform the space, bring new life to the town centre and create 10 new job opportunities for the community, with further recruitment still underway.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Renfrewshire Council, particularly Robert from the Business Development team whose guidance has been invaluable throughout this process, and I would encourage local businesses to apply to the fund if they are looking to expand in the town centre.”
Another business benefitting from the fund has been Gillan Green, a local fruit and veg shop in Paisley, who have moved into a formally empty premises on Moss Street thanks to their grant award.
Owner Mansoor said: “We are incredibly grateful for the support provided by the Town Centre Premises Fund, which has been vital in helping us with our new premises. Without this, it would have been a challenge for us to take this step forward.
“This support has not only enabled our business to grow but also contributed to the revitalisation of the town centre. Our new location in a more prominent spot within the town centre has already made a significant impact, with increased footfall and sales.
“We’re excited for the future and look forward to serving our community in our new and improved premises.”
The Town Centre Premises Grant invests £250,000 as part of a drive to reduce the number of vacant ground floor premises in Erskine, Johnstone, Linwood, Paisley and Renfrew town centres, while supporting new and existing business, creating employment opportunities, and promoting sustainable inclusive economic growth.
Small and medium-sized businesses will be able to access up to 50% of their project costs, up to a maximum of £25,000, to support them to move into ground-floor properties in the town centre.
The grant can be spent flexibly to suit the individual business’ needs and could include costs such as premises improvements, rent payments, advertising and marketing costs, fees and insurance.
The council’s Business Development team can support potential applicants to identify potential premises and work with them to ensure they meet the criteria for the grant award.
Councillor Andy Steel, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Economy and Regeneration Policy Board, said: “I’m delighted to see this fund supporting local businesses to grow and expand, but importantly bringing empty town centre premises back into use.
“It’s so important that we support our town centres and the businesses that make them thrive. The more available businesses then the more people will visit and spend their money in the local economy.
“It’s fantastic to see Gillan Green and the Paisley Pie Co. benefit so successfully from their grant funding and I hope it serves as an inspiration to businesses across Renfrewshire to get in touch with our team and see if they can be next.”
The grant scheme is open for businesses to apply and will remain open until all the funding has been allocated. Businesses should get in touch with the council’s Business Development team in the first instance.
For more information, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk
Sponsored Links
Latest Renfrewshire News
Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour
Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.
READ MORE
Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night
Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.
READ MORE
Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.
READ MORE
The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries
Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.
READ MORE
Paisley Halloween Festival delivers a frightfully fun weekend for all
Spooky season descended on Paisley at the weekend as thousands of visitors turned out for the annual Halloween Festival!
READ MORE
Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids
Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.
READ MORE
A decade of cultural impact to be celebrated at anniversary concert
Celebrated traditional music and Gaelic arts charity, Fèis Phàislig, has announced details of a major anniversary concert to mark ten years of providing cultural opportunities for young people.
READ MORE
Paisley Halloween festival shows visitors a wicked good time!
Paisley Halloween Festival is back at its spooky best as thousands of visitors attended the first night of the festival.
READ MORE
The Beat the Street Renfrewshire winners are announced
The winners of the latest Beat the Street challenge in Renfrewshire have now been announced!
READ MORE
Paisley crowned as Town Of The Year
Judges in the Scotland Loves Local Awards awarded the title after being impressed by the critical point reached in the town's 'resurgence' amid unprecedented investment in its future.
READ MORE
Potential changes to permitted development rights are putting beloved live music venues at risk
The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk.
READ MORE
Braehead just got cooler as Snowflake Gelato debuts in Scotland
Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, is delighted to announce the arrival of Snowflake Gelato.
READ MORE
Community curated film festival brings world class cinema to Greenock this Galoshans Festival
Free and low-cost screenings showcase Horror, Heritage, and Homegrown Talent selected by local curators and young people.
READ MORE
Aldi to open a pop up pumpkin patch in Renfrew this Halloween for one day only
Families are in for a spook-tacular surprise this Halloween, as Aldi is transforming part of its Renfrew store into a pop-up Pumpkin Patch on Saturday 25th October.
READ MORE
Halloween takes over town this weekend
Paisley Halloween Festival will return this weekend with a packed programme to fright and delight visitors!
READ MORE
The Saltires 2025 Shortlists Announced
The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.
READ MORE
KT Tunstall wins Modern Scottish Classic Award, plus SAY Award Shortlist reveal
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.
READ MORE
Horror Con Scotland takes over Paisley Town Hall this Halloween Weekend
Scotland's scariest convention is heading to Renfrewshire for a two-day Halloween spectacular!
READ MORE
Help Provost Cameron light up Renfrewshire this Christmas
Renfrewshire's Provost, Lorraine Cameron is once again inviting children of primary school age to design a Christmas card for 2025.
READ MORE
Grab some Buddie Good Deals here in Paisley town centre this October!
Grab some Buddie Good Deals in Paisley town centre from Saturday 11th October until Saturday 25th October.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores has got the October school holidays sorted
There's loads to see and do – from pet friendly days out to breakfast with dinosaurs, loch tours and much more!
READ MORE
Scottish Wedding Show turns up the heat as it returns to the SEC
Scotland's largest wedding showcase, The Scottish Wedding Show, returns to Glasgow this weekend, ready to welcome thousands of couples from across the country looking to plan their dream day!
READ MORE
Keela and Mountaineering Scotland launch new campaign
Keela, the Scottish outdoor clothing brand, and Mountaineering Scotland Launch ‘Within You’, an new three-month campaign, inspiring Confidence, Connection, and Adventure in the Outdoors!
READ MORE
Book Week Scotland 2025 programme announced
Scotland's national celebration of books, Book Week Scotland, returns from 17th to 23rd November and tickets are on sale now!
READ MORE
Dobbies donates Christmas trees to local communities
Dobbies Garden Centres is lifting community spirits this season with a Christmas tree donation across the country, in partnership with Needlefresh.
READ MORE
Football legends lace up for 150 mile charity walk inspired by Marcus Stewart, Stephen Darby and the late Doddie Weir
Former Celtic and Scotland football heroes to join ex-player with MND on 150-mile March of The Day to raise funds to help tackle the disease.
READ MORE
First winners announced for GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards
Amy MacDonald, Hue and Cry, Nathan Evans and The Saint PHNX Band, Skipinnish, Shay O'Dowd and James Emmanuel are among the first winners to be announced for the GUITARGUITAR Scottish Music Awards!
READ MORE
Step into stories of Scotland this October with Living History
Scotland’s colourful past bursts to life this October as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) returns with its popular Living History programme for the school holidays.
READ MORE
Renfrewshire remembers mine workers with new memorial cairn
A memorial cairn and plaque has been unveiled in Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park to remember the men who lost their lives working in the Muirshiel Barytes Mine between 1942 and 1969.
READ MORE
Renfrewshire set for spectacular season of festive events
Renfrewshire is gearing up for another bumper season of fantastic festive events with an array of free, fun-filled activities for all!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links