Renfrewshire Council prepares funding bids which could unlock regeneration of Lochwinnoch
Renfrewshire Council is preparing funding bids which could unlock a significant regeneration of the centre of Lochwinnoch through investment in its heritage and promotion of its history.
Senior officials will submit applications for finance to Historic Environment Scotland and National Lottery for an ambitious 'Cornerstones Project' after they were given the green light by elected members.
The move was approved by councillors at a meeting of the local authority's economy and regeneration policy board on Tuesday morning.
A report, which was discussed at the summit, explained: "The centre of Lochwinnoch was developed in the 18th century as a planned expansion of the older village, organised around three primary axes.
"Cornerstones seeks to revitalise Lochwinnoch's streetscape and economy by focusing investment within the conservation area where these axes meet.
"Repair grants will help preserve Lochwinnoch's historic built environment; a parallel programme of community engagement activities will emphasise the value of the village's heritage, raise awareness of its unique history, and develop local expertise around traditional building skills."
The scheme area encompasses the central section of the Main Street/High Street axis and its junction with the Calder Street/Church Street axis; the southeast section of the Calder Street/Church Street axis as far as the south corner of Harvey Square; and the southwest section of the Harvey Terrace/Gates Road axis which terminates with Lochwinnoch Parish Church on Church Street.
The deadline for submitting applications for the initial development phase is August 6. If they are successful, this year-long phase will start in June 2026 and conclude in May 2027 with the submission of delivery phase applications to both funders.
If those latter applications are successful, it is anticipated the full Cornerstones Project would run from April 2028 for five years.
Councillor Andy Doig, an independent representative for Lochwinnoch, said: "When it's something like this which deals with heritage, you want to really take villages along with you.
"I think that takes a wee bit longer to get groups in place for the proper liaison to take place as well...This is an excellent paper, it really is.
"I'm delighted that the officers have realised that there is life outside Paisley in a heritage sense. It would be a massive boost for the conservation area in Lochwinnoch."
The veteran politician added: "It's an excellent piece of work here and everybody, I think, would be hoping we get this funding."
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