Glasgow City Centre Improvement Grant Fund - submit your project!

Posted on 28 August 2024 by Chris Allen in Funding Community Grants Glasgow City Council

Does your organisation have a project to improve Glasgow city centre, such as a pop-up shop, playpark, or green space improvements? Glasgow City Council is looking for organisations and communities in Glasgow city centre to create meanwhile use spaces, deliver small projects and undertake minor improvement works. The grant (up to £20,000 per organisation) will fund proposals able to demonstrate a positive impact on the city centre, enhancing its attractiveness and inclusivity. Read more about the Glasgow City Centre Improvement Grant Fund .

The Improvement Grant Fund is designed to address two key issues: improving the look and feel of the city centre, and finding productive uses for vacant property. In order to address that, the fund contains two application categories: Minor Improvements and Meanwhile Use. "Meanwhile Use" means temporarily using an otherwise-empty premises before that premises is converted into its permanent state, capitalising on a brief window of opportunity -- perfect for a pop-up shop or a temporary arts space.

What will it fund?

Examples of place-based interventions in the city centre that the IGF may fund include:

• Minor repair works
• Small-scale greening / public space improvements
• Small-scale play infrastructure
• Measures to:
  • Alleviate anti-social behaviour
  • Increase footfall
  • Reduce blight

Examples of meanwhile use activities bringing unused/vacant property located within the city centre back into productive use include:

• Businesses moving into a physical premises on a short-term lease
• Pop up shops
• Creative and Cultural Uses

Applications will need to demonstrate how they address the priorities of the City Centre Strategy 2024-30:

• Magnetic Experience: The development of more compelling reasons to visit, shop and enjoy the city centre, with the power to surprise and inspire visitors.
• A Place to Live: Place-based approach to regeneration which responds to climate issues and respects planetary boundaries. It is inclusive, balanced and connected with amenities to support a growing population.
• Front Door to Innovation: Creating opportunities to welcome digital, life sciences, climate science and creative industries into a mix which converges with arts, engineering, and business.

Who can apply?

For-profit and not-forprofit organisations, including social enterprises, creative and cultural groups, community councils, and other constituted organisations. You must intend to use the funding within Glasgow city centre boundaries (see map).

How to apply?

Go to Glasgow City Council's website for more information and to read the fund guidance.