Key infrastructure projects in Argyll and Bute identified for potential funding

Five key infrastructure and community projects have been identified for potential funding via the UK Government’s Community Regeneration Partnership Funding (CRP) initiative.

The UK Government has committed to delivering a package of support from the CRP to Argyll and Bute Council totalling £20.34 million.

The council was asked by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to outline major projects that would improve outcomes across Argyll and Bute, which includes Helensburgh, Cardross, Rhu and Lomond,  in line with the Government’s core missions and priorities.

At a meeting of the Policy and Resources Committee, a package of priority projects was approved which will now be the subject of further discussion and negotiation with the UK Government team.

The projects include:

• Oban Airport Aviation Business Park – construction of two key buildings as part of phase 2 of the Business Park development
• Former Royal Hotel Rothesay, Bute – restoration of the town’s valuable heritage building and new accessible homes including housing for key workers, tourist accommodation and commercial space
• European Marine Science Site Phase 2 – The further development of Camas House, the second business office/laboratory development on the site specifically developed to support business growth in the marine economy
• Affordable housing for key workers – construction of affordable housing for key workers on various sites across Argyll and Bute, tackling one of the area’s critical issues
• SME Business Units – creation of business units targeted at local SMEs with units being constructed within local business park sites and/or in locations where a shortage of commercial space has been identified

It is currently anticipated that the final CRP package will be confirmed in early April 2025 with a final decision from MHCLG Ministers.

Councillor Jim Lynch, left,  the council’s Policy Lead for Economic Development, Islands and Rural Communities, Housing, said: “Each of these priority projects would be enormously beneficial in further boosting the economy of Argyll and Bute, generating employment opportunities, enhancing the region’s infrastructure and improving outcomes for many of our communities.

“While there are no guarantees about which projects will be selected and there are further discussions to be had with our MHCLG partners, we’re confident that this package of initiatives would greatly benefit our area.”

Meanwhile, investment plans for a range of community activities across Argyll and Bute as part of the final year of the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) have been approved by councillors.