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Regeneration projects

How we are regenerating your local area, including projects to redevelop Dumfries town centre and the Lochside neighbourhood development in Dumfries.

Dumfries Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS)

The Dumfries town centre Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) focusses on restoring and enhancing the built heritage of the conservation area.

Dynamically Different Dumfries

The scheme will take 5 years to complete. It will complement a number of other regeneration initiatives in the town as part of Dynamically Different Dumfries and the overall regeneration plan for Dumfries town centre.

Go to Dynamically Different Dumfries

Like many towns, Dumfries town centre currently suffers from:

  • a high vacancy rate for retail units
  • a low occupancy rate for people living in the town centre
  • vacant buildings
  • poor condition of much of its historic building stock

To address these issues, the Dumfries Partnership Action Group (DPAG) with our support have been developing Dynamically Different Dumfries, the future vision and action plan for the town centre.

Heritage-led regeneration scheme

In partnership with Historic Environment Scotland (HES), we are introducing a heritage-led regeneration scheme. This contributes to Dynamically Different Dumfries as part of the overall regeneration plan for Dumfries town centre. 

This regeneration scheme will see investment of approximately £1.5m into the conservation area. The scheme consists of:

  • grant schemes that offer part-funding for the repair of prominent traditionally constructed buildings to bring them back into full use
  • a training, education and awareness programme
  • complimentary engagement activities

Priority projects

The priority project scheme makes substantial grant funding for targeted properties available. These projects bring whole disused buildings back into reuse in entire-building renovation and repair projects. They support the aims of local regeneration partners, such as Midsteeple Quarter and social enterprises, such as Wheatley Homes.

The 4 targeted priority project buildings are:

  • 8 English Street
  • 11 to 17 English Street
  • 117 to 119 High Street
  • 130 to 132 High Street

Small grants

The small grants scheme runs in conjunction with the priority projects scheme. It offers funding to any owner of a traditionally constructed building in the CARS area. 

This fund offers smaller amounts, typically for the repair and restoration of individual features of buildings. This includes the replacement of uPVC windows and doors with traditionally styled timber units or the restoration of historic shopfronts. 

Currently this funding pot is made up of:

  • 4 grants of up to £25,000 each
  • 5 grants of up to £10,000 each

How to apply

To apply, please first contact us to discuss your plans: 

Email: DCars@dumgal.gov.uk.

Training

In addition to the grant schemes, we have developed training, engagement and other complementary initiatives. This includes:

  • training for young people
  • apprenticeships in repairs and maintenance methods for traditional buildings
  • public engagement activities

If you are interested in training:

Email: DCars@dumgal.gov.uk.