Town Centre Funding project agreed for Nairn

Highland Councillors at the Nairnshire Committee today (17 February 2021) have unanimously agreed to award Nairn BID a total £28,052 Scottish Government Town Centre funding to deliver projects in Nairn town centre that will help create much-needed economic stimulus for the area.

Projects need to have started by the end of March and grant spent by the end of September.

Councillors agreed to award Nairn BID the full allocation of town centre funding available for a range of environmental improvements in the town centre.

These improvements will include the provision of new signage, notice boards, interpretation boards, location maps, street furniture, flower displays, and decorative vinyl on shop windows (situated at prominent locations on the High Street). 

The aim of the project is to improve footfall in the town centre by improving the aesthetic appearance of the area to help make it more appealing for visitors and the local community. In addition, the project aims to promote “buy local” to support local businesses to thrive and grow.

Cllr Tom Heggie, Chair of the Nairnshire Committee said: “Members welcome Nairn BID’s aspirations for this project and we sincerely hope that the town centre funding investment will also encourage further retail investment in the High Street to help secure its future.

“Nairn BID’s project will provide a much-needed boost to the local morale and wellbeing of Nairn town centre and will also provide much needed work for local businesses.

“I am very pleased with the response from Nairn BID and their ability to work collaboratively with the Council and other community groups which bodes well as a potential model should further Scottish Government funding become available again. Hopefully if more funds come on stream, Nairn will be able to respond swiftly with more ‘shovel-ready’ projects for application.”

Nairn BID’s proposal to councillors was chosen upon its eligibility and deliverability within the tight timeframe of 31 March 2021 and the BID’s ability to provide local community benefit and economic boosters as quickly as possible.