Dundee’s Union Street could soon be given another boost if councillors agree to invest £150,000 on shopfront upgrades.
Business owners will be able to claim up to 75% of the costs of sprucing up the front of their stores in the proposed “façade enhancement” scheme.
The council believes the popular thoroughfare, described as a “key street”, should be targeted first as a pilot.
It then hopes to carry out similar work on the Murraygate and Reform Street nearby.
In a report to be presented to councillors at Monday’s city development committee, the council’s heading of planning Gregor Hamilton said: “The majority of the shopfronts in Union Street are of good quality and of a standard that contributes positively to the character of the street.
“However, there are some shopfronts that are of poorer quality and a complementary pilot project that will offer grant assistance to improve these is proposed.
“Depending on the success of the pilot project, and the availability of future funding, it may be extended to cover other streets in the city centre.”
Street leads to £81m museum
Works could include exterior improvements such as improved lighting, installation of enhanced shopfronts, reinstating stall risers, painting, stonework repairs and repositioning façade signage.
Grant support will be subject to conditions, including a requirement that the property owner maintains the shopfront in a good condition for at least five years.
Union Street leads down to the Waterfront and the £81 million V&A museum and has already been the focus of significant investment in recent years.
It was pedestrianised in 2020 while street art has been painted on the road.
Planters have also been installed and businesses have been encouraged to open outside seating areas.
It comes after one local business owner in Broughty Ferry said there is too much investment in Union Street and not enough support for businesses located elsewhere.
The funding for the pilot comes from the Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment Programme.
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