In 2021 Scottish Government pledged £33m of capital funding to Scottish Local Authorities to support town centre regeneration projects and community wealth building.
Scottish Government and Council Leaders agreed that Local Authorities would receive a share of funding to help support place based investment over a 5 year period.
The aim of the programme was to invest in centres or neighbourhoods connected with two categories of settlement.
This offered funding for capital investment only.
Rural settings with smaller populations, dependent on larger geographical areas for support, ie:
- Small Towns with a limited range of non-specialised facilities;
- Villages with very limited, or non-existent, access to facilities.
Urban settings with sizeable populations ie :
- Regional Capitals with extensive provision supporting a wide geographical area;
- Larger Towns with a comprehensive range of dedicated services and facilities.
- Individual Neighbourhoods with limited access to relevant local provision.
Local authorities were expected to make investment decisions that accelerate Scottish Government ambitions for Place, 20-minute neighbourhoods, town centre action, community led regeneration and community wealth building.
The funding was also expected to contribute to net zero, wellbeing and inclusive economic development, tackling inequality and disadvantage including child poverty, and community involvement and ownership. This could include the repurposing of buildings, maintenance and repairs, reallocating external space and community led land acquisition.
Scottish Borders was allocated funding annually based on a combination of total population and existing deprivation levels as determined by Scottish Government. Allocations required to be financially committed by the end of each financial year with the last round of funding in late 2025.
View a full list of projects which have been funded under the Place Based Investment Programme.
If you require further information please contact the External Funding Team on 01835-826661