AT LEAST three priority projects in Helensburgh will receive a share of more than £1 million in funding as part of plans to create a new conservation area in the town.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced today that Argyll and Bute Council has been awarded £1,240,000 for the Helensburgh Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS).

The scheme proposes to repair at least three priority projects across Colquhoun Street, East Clyde Street and West Clyde Street in the newly designated conservation area, which will be the third such area in the town; Helensburgh currently has two designated conservation areas – at The Hill House and in Upper Helensburgh.

The scheme will also improve links between the waterfront and the town centre, and through the repair of properties on the waterfront, make the area more attractive for people to spend time.

Argyll and Bute Councillor Alastair Redman, policy lead for business, regeneration and commercial development, said: “The latest round of CARS funding is fantastic and much welcomed news for Helensburgh as we continue to invest in the town and across Argyll and Bute to help attract people and business to the area.

"We are committed to stimulating the local economy and making our town centres attractive places to live, work and visit.

Helensburgh Advertiser: West Clyde Street (pictured), Colquhoun Street and East Clyde Street will benefit from the HES fundingWest Clyde Street (pictured), Colquhoun Street and East Clyde Street will benefit from the HES funding

"Now more than ever, investment is needed to help our communities recover from the impact of the pandemic.

“The council has a successful track record of using heritage as a key driver for regeneration by safeguarding our town centres, creating local employment opportunities and transforming properties and buildings.

“The announcement of the funding award is the latest investment secured by the council for Helensburgh, building on previous improvements to the public realm, restoration of Hermitage Park and ongoing work at the Helensburgh Waterfront.

"We hope to build on this success and further enhance the town’s vibrancy.”

Helensburgh is one of four historic communities across Scotland that will benefit from a combined investment of £4,502,575 from HES.

Around £762,000 will also be invested in Dumfries; £1,113,949 in Dunbar; and £1,386,525 in Stirling.

READ MORE: Third Helensburgh conservation area agreed by councillors

Buildings which have been prioritised for works include the B-listed Alhambra Theatre and Arcade in Stirling and the former Lothian Hotel in Dunbar which was built in the late 18th century.

Each CARS scheme will deliver a combination of larger building repair projects, small grants schemes providing funding for repairs to properties in private ownership, community engagement and education activities, and professional training activities and opportunities, all of which will contribute to sustainable economic and community development within the conservation area.

The schemes, managed by the local authority, will last for five years with works commencing in April.

Alex Paterson, chief executive of HES, said: “This round of CARS marks a very important milestone for the scheme in that over £50 million has been invested in more than 70 Conservation Areas in Scotland.

“Through CARS, communities are supported and empowered to harness their valuable heritage assets. Decisions are made on a local level and local authorities can prioritise key properties for investment.

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“The impact that COVID-19 has had on town and city centres – with more people than ever now working from home and the rise of online shopping due to the closure of shops – shows just how important schemes such as CARS are in revitalising and regenerating our high streets.

"By bringing historic buildings back into use and providing crucial repairs, high streets are transformed, new employment opportunities are created, and tourism is increased, demonstrating the significant effect that our historic environment has on our towns, cities and villages.

“Heritage-led regeneration has proven to have long-term benefits and I look forward to seeing the positive impact that these projects in Dumfries, Dunbar, Helensburgh and Stirling have on the people that live and work in these historic places.”

Culture secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “It is vital that we continue to protect and conserve our heritage. Now more than ever we are all increasingly aware of our local surroundings and attractions and the important role they play in our health and well-being as well as in the heart of our communities.

“This scheme has already helped transform conservation areas across Scotland, reinvigorating communities and supporting economic and social regeneration. I look forward to seeing how this new support helps transform even more of our historic high streets.”