¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ has identified potential projects that could be in the running to benefit from a share of up to £20 million of capital funding from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
The council was notified in November last year that it was one of just four local authorities in Scotland awarded this new fund. At a meeting of the Full Council today (Thursday), councillors agreed to put forward the following projects to the UK Government for consideration:
- Helensburgh Colgrain Business Park
- Rothesay Pavilion
- Oban Airport Aviation Business Park
- Dunbeg Corridor
- Marine Training School and Seaweed Academy (Dunbeg)
- Dunoon Regeneration
- Affordable Housing For Key Workers
- Campbeltown Pier Extension
- Jura/Islay Ferry
- Islay Roads Scheme
- Former Royal Hotel Rothesay (Bute)
The UK Government will shortlist the projects by 15 July before undertaking a business case on each of the shortlisted projects. The successful project(s) will then be announced in September 2024. It is thought there will be a degree of public consultation, although the details of this process have still to be confirmed.
Council Leader, Councillor Jim Lynch, said: “We are committed to making ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Bute a great place to live, work, visit and invest, and we are committed to ensuring ongoing economic success for our communities.
“The Levelling Up Partnership Funding marks a significant investment and will enable us to deliver outcomes that will leave a lasting legacy and contribute to the area’s long-term economic growth.â€
Levelling up investment is available to deliver capital projects, not to fund day-to-day council services, and must be spent by 2025/26.