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

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