Shopfront restoration scheme in historic Inverness city centre street aims to boost local economy

Businesses in a historic Inverness city centre street are being encouraged to apply for funding to improve and restore their shopfronts.

Inverness Townscape Heritage Project has increased funding for Academy Street businesses to improve the appearance of shop facades and signage in a bid to make it a more attractive place to live, work and visit.

With grants now available for up to 90 per cent of the eligible costs, owners and tenants of all traditional shopfronts in the street are encouraged to apply to restore original designs or create new, sympathetic shopfronts.

Funding will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. The maximum grant awarded will then be determined by the priority category assigned to the property and the nature of the works.

Shopfront improvement schemes elsewhere in the UK have been successful in returning a sense of quality to an area, and subsequently increasing economic activity.

Councillor Jimmy Gray, chairman of Inverness Townscape Heritage Project, said: "Academy Street is one of the most historic streets in Inverness and this funding boost gives an opportunity for its businesses to restore the buildings and celebrate their history and unique character.

"I’d encourage tenants and building occupiers to take advantage of this support while it is available and find inspiration from some of our fantastic local signwriters.

"Doing so can only add to the attractiveness of the businesses, the street and Inverness as a whole."

As part of its Shop Local campaign, Inverness Business Improvement District (Bid) has highlighted the importance of supporting local businesses. Inverness Bid manager Mike Smith was delighted to see the shopfront scheme boosted to help Academy Street building owners and tenants receive funding to improve the look of their buildings.

"Now even more so than ever, it is important that we support our city centre businesses," he said.

"Whether it is restoring the traditional signage of your business or creating a shopfront that reflects the history and heritage of the building, I hope this scheme will create a warm welcome for customers visiting Academy Street businesses."

Those interested in applying for the grant should fill out an application form at Academystreet.org/grants.

Further information on the scheme can be found at Academystreet.org/ShopfrontLeaflet while a comprehensive shopfront design guide has been produced by Highland Council and is available to view at www.highland.gov.uk/shopfrontdesignguide

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