Go Forth Stirling Business Improvement District has received £70,000 from the Stirling Council to help local businesses.
The aim is to provide financial support for local business owners’ shop fronts and reinvigorate a sense of place.
It comes as part of a £445,000 package of funding for community-based projects across the Stirling area through the Place Based Investment programme from the Scottish Government.
The Bannockburn and Eastern Village Community Hub has also received £33,000 for car parking and access improvements, with Fallin Community Enterprises also being awarded £13,000 for improvements to its Recycle-A-Bike project.
Some businesses in Stirling have already benefitted from investments in their shopfronts such as Café Aina, TJ’s and The Golden Lion.
Danielle McRorie-Smith, Project Director of Go Forth Stirling, said: “Our variety of traditional retail units and historic shopfronts adds interest, attracts tourism and is part of what makes our city unique.
“We aim to support the regeneration of Stirling’s conservation area through our new ‘supercharged’ shopfront scheme, which will not only help business owners but also provide a better environment and experience for visitors.”
Stirling Council leader, Chris Kane, said: “This year marks the 900th anniversary of Stirling becoming a Royal Burgh and investment in our city centre and shop front improvements will help show Stirling in its best light to residents and visitors as we prepare to embark on a programme of exciting events to mark this milestone.
“All the projects identified for funding through the Place Based Investment Programme will make a real difference to our communities and deliver significant regeneration.
“They have been shaped by our communities and, just as importantly, will be delivered by them. This underpins the aims of Stirling’s economic strategy – to enable opportunities for all, to be sustainable and inclusive, and to help local communities and businesses thrive.”
However, many residents of Stirling were displeased with what the Council have chosen to spend money on with some calling it a “disgrace”.
Stirling Council has received criticism on their financial decisions since they revealed the £13 million budget gap. Despite the Council explaining that the purpose of the allotted money could only be used for capital projects supporting the local area regeneration residents were still displeased.
Many of the complaints featured the roadworks and closures, the cancellation of the Hogmanay fireworks and the housing in the city.
Featured Image Credit: Stirling Council
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