Aberdeen Inspired is giving city centre businesses the chance to apply for funding to help improve the appearance of their property.
The business organisation has set aside a total fund of £10,000 to support members of Aberdeen’s BID (Business Improvement District) zone who are committed to enhancing the aesthetic of their shop or building.
A maximum of 10 grants of up to £1,000 are available, with the shopfront improvement scheme the latest in a host of initiatives that the organisation has undertaken in an effort to enhance and maintain the city centre as an attractive destination for residents, visitors and those who work within the area.
Gary Craig, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “We are firm believers that subtle changes can come together to make a big impression on the aesthetics of our city centre streets and we’re encouraging BID members to come forward and make use of the funding that we’ve set aside for the latest instalment of our shopfront improvement scheme.
“The attractive appearance of our shops and buildings is vital in helping increase footfall to the BID zone and city centre and these grants are in place for doing exactly that. We want to support members who are committed to improving the appearance of their property and welcome any expressions of interest at this stage.”
Past project milestones for Aberdeen Inspired aimed at improving the city centre’s aesthetic include the installation of creative lighting within Golden Square, the enhancement of the roof garden near St Nicholas Centre, the provision of innovative Big Belly Bins alongside a number of street art projects within the city’s McCombies Court, Adelphi Lane and Platform Nine at Aberdeen Train Station.
An Adopt an Area scheme, which aims to transform neglected parts of the city through partnership working with various groups and businesses within the area, has also found success with projects in the city’s College Street and Bridge Street the first to come to fruition.
These key milestones all fall under Aberdeen Inspired’s Attractive City theme which reinforces its commitment to preserving, restoring and highlighting the city’s rich built heritage.
Gary Craig added: “Over the last four years, we’ve made a number of concerted efforts in improving the appearance of Aberdeen’s city centre for those who work, live and visit it on a regular basis. These have ranged from smaller-scale projects such as Adopt an Area to larger enhancement work as showcased in the recently completed roof garden. All share a key theme of helping create an environment that people can be proud of.
“As we move towards our renewal ballot in early 2016, enhancing the appearance of the BID zone will remain a key component as we continue to look at methods of increasing footfall to the area.”
Those looking to register an interest in Aberdeen Inspired’s shopfront improvement scheme are asked to contact the organisation’s Viki Menzies on viki.menzies@aberdeeninspired.com
Aberdeen Inspired is the banner under which the Aberdeen BID (Business Improvement District) operates. It is a business-led initiative within the city centre in which levy payers within the BID zone contribute.
Proceeds are used to fund projects designed to improve the business district. Further information on the work of Aberdeen Inspired is available at www.aberdeeninspired.com